Northumberland merchant seaman viewed images of children as young as two months old being abused

Michael Robinson, a second officer in the merchant navy, was caught with 776 pictures and three videos, featuring victims as young as just two months old, on his computer devices.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Robinson told police in a statement: "I do accept I have viewed underage images of females involved in sexual activity. I have also looked at animal porn.

"I obtained no sexual gratification from this, it is more curiosity."

The court heard the married 47-year-old had been away at sea when Northumbria Police were informed by officers at Police Scotland that his computer IP address had been linked to illegal images.

When he arrived back in the UK on November 16, 2018, he was met at Newcastle Airport by the police and his computer devices were seized when his home address was searched.

Police found 145 images and one video which were category A, the most serious, as well as 189 category B images and 442 images plus two videos in category C.

Prosecutor Ellen Wright told the court: "The ages of the children concerned range from two months to 15 years of age. "

Robinson, of Martfield, Rothbury, Northumberland, who has never been in trouble before, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children.

Judge Tim Gittins said Robinson's excuse for viewing the "depraved and disgusting" images was "odd if not bizarre".

The judge told Robinson: "Each and every reviewing of an image like that is a fresh abuse of that child".

Judge Gittins said viewing such images creates a market for them and ensures the abuse continues.

The judge added: "It is clear you have travelled around the world and been way for long periods of time.

"You received positive, if not glowing, annual reviews. All that has been put into the shade by what you have admitted doing."

Robinson was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.

He must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

The judge told Robinson intervention was the "best way of protecting children in preventing you from re-offending".

Geoff Knowles, defending, said Robinson is "highly regarded" in his career, which he may now lose as a result of the conviction.

Mr Knowles said: "He is genuinely sorry for the actions he took. He has a great appreciation now of the harm that was caused and that harm is caused by this."

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