South Yorkshire pervert jailed for making indecent images of children

Ian Lee, aged 42, was caught with two category A images - the most serious category - three category B images, and eight category C images, according to a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on January 26.

James Baird, prosecuting, told the court that officers from the offender management unit visited Lee at his home on Sheffield Road, Barnsley, in July 2019 where he offered his Huawei phone to be searched.

Mr Baird added that Lee’s phone was linked to another device, a Samsung mobile phone, which was seized by police and a subsequent search revealed some “alarming” search terms.

A laptop belonging to Lee, who has two relevant previous convictions dating back to 2000 and 2006, was also searched and the extent of the indecent images he held came to light, according to Mr Baird.

Lee pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children on or before July 31, 2019.

Christopher Brewin, defending, explained how Lee had been cooperative with police and recognises he has issues and that his behaviour has relapsed.

Mr Brewin also said that Lee wished to undertake cognitive behavioral therapy – a talking therapy that can help change the way you think and behave – adding that he has said he will “do everything he possibly can” to avoid re-offending.

Judge David Dixon described the indecent images in the case as “horrific” and said it was clear that Lee had a desire for prepubescent girls as the children involved were “incredibly young.”

Addressing Lee, he added: “You have deep-seated issues and until you are able to address them you are a threat in my view.

“The fact that your desires have continued all these years… you are clearly a very dangerous man.

"It is clear you still have unhealthy and unnatural desires. The images are horrific.”

Judge Dixon sentenced Lee to two years of custody with an extended licence period of five years.

He was also placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years, preventing him from having any device unless the relevant officers are notified and from having any contact with any child under the age of 16 among other restrictions.

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