June 2022

Pervert’s interest in child sex abuse images ‘sparked’ by old man he cared for

A former carer has avoided going to prison after police found he had downloaded indecent images of children.

Police raided Matthew Nixon’s home when they were alerted that an email address belonging to him had been used to access illegal material.

Analysis of the 35-year-old’s device later revealed 138 indecent images. 

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Nixon also had a disturbing Google search history

Prosecutor Karen Wright said: “Officers went to the home address of the defendant following intelligence that material had been uploaded from an email address associated with the defendant. A search of his home was carried out and devices were seized and examined.

“Analysis of these devices showed a number of indecent images of children. It also showed he was associated with a Google account with a web history showing access to a Russian website known to the authorities.”

Following the raid in March last year, police found 36 images classed as Category A – the most serious classification – plus 93 Category B images and nine in Category C.

Ms Wright said: “In interview, the defendant stated he used to be a carer for the elderly. During that time he cared for a man who watched porn videos featuring children which sparked his interest.

“He said a couple of years ago he started to view sexualised images of children again. He admitted watching it for sexual gratification.”

Nixon, of Middle Cross Street in Longton, pleaded guilty to three charges of making (downloading) indecent photographs of a child. He had no previous convictions.

He was not represented by a solicitor in court. He said: “I don’t know why I did it and I’m very sorry. It’s something I wish I had never done.”

District Judge Kevin Grego handed Nixon a 24-month community order with a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours unpaid work.

The judge made a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions on Nixon’s contact with children and his internet use.

Nixon will also be subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register for seven years. He must pay £280 in court costs and charges.