Sheffield pervert caught with indecent images of children claims he was addicted to pornography

Sheffield Crown Court heard on February 3 how Mark Sinclair, aged 52, of Everton Road, Sheffield, was caught with nine catgeory A images, one category B image and 35 category C images, with category A being the most serious.

Simon Reevell, prosecuting, said police attended Sinclair’s home in August, 2018, after they had received information that indecent images of children were being downloaded from his address and they seized a number of computers.

Mr Reevell added that three computers contaned the indecent images of children.

Sinclair told police he had an addiction to pornography and he acknowldeged he had viewed the images.

The defendant, who was of previous good character, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images relating to categories A, B and C between December, 2011, and February 15, 2018.

Andrew Fitch-Holland, defending, said a distinguished expert and experienced practitioner has considered Sinclair’s circumstances and psychology and there has been some progress in addressing his behaviour.

Sinclair has a sincere wish not to re-offend and he has a willingness to address his behaviour, according to Mr Fitch-Holland, and he feels profoundly ashamed.

Mr Fitch-Holland said: “He fully grasped the nettle once these matters came to light and he has funded his own treatment which has been enormously successful.”

Judge Sarah Wright stressed the consumers of indecent images cause others to produce such material and to perpetrate horrific offences against youngsters.

She told Sinclair: “You have made full admissions and sought to confront your behaviour including seeking psychological support.

"Since your arrest in 2018, you have done everything that could have been asked of you and you are rightly ashamed and you had the courage to admit this offending and sought help.”

Judge Wright sentenced Sinclair to a two-year community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of up to 40 days. She explained that Sinclair will be subject to the Sex Offenders Register for five years and she also made the defendant subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.

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