Redbridge man admits repeat offences with images of children

A MAN FROM Redbridge has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of making indecent images of children, after admitting downloading 200 images from the internet.

It was a repeat offence for Martin Sparks, 47, of Maldon Walk, Redbridge. He was already subject to a suspended prison sentence for the same offence. He also admitted breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). His guilty pleas were entered at a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court at the end of June, and he will return to the Court at the end of August for sentencing for the second round of offences.

The offences came to light after a police investigation suggested that Sparks may be downloading indecent images. Police obtained a search warrant and carried out a search of his home on 18th June.  Sparks initially denied that he had been involved in illegal online activity, but he later admitted breaching his SHPO and downloading indecent images. Police took possession of various devices during the search and subsequent questioning of Sparks which confirmed the crimes.

Sparks had been convicted of making indecent images of children in June 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and the SHPO.

Detective Constable James Cavenham, the investigating officer, said, “Sparks is now facing time behind bars after committing the same hideous offence once again. The evidence we gathered against him meant he had no option but to plead guilty. Although this is not a contact offence, every single image contains a child who is a victim of an appalling crime and when people like Sparks seek these images out, they continue to generate a market for this type of abuse. The Met will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those who download online images of child sexual abuse.”

●For information about how to keep young people safe online, go to:
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
www.thinkuknow.co.uk

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