RAF serviceman sentenced over indecent photo

An RAF Boulmer serviceman has been sentenced for making an indecent photograph of a child.

John Kelsey, 32, admitted the offence, dating back to March 2017, when he appeared at Berwick Magistrates’ Court last month.

The Category C offence came to light when the defendant’s mobile phone was seized by police during a search of his home when they were investigating another matter.

The court heard the defendant had been in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl but the indecent image was of her as a 14 or 15-year-old which she had sent to him.

Last Thursday, the court was told that the defendant, who has worked as a chef at the base for 10 years, may lose his job as a result.

Ian O’Rourke, in defence, said the phone was one of several electrical items taken from the property. It was not being used and was not charged up.

Magistrates noted that it was an old phone which was not in use and that the photo was taken several years ago.

The defendant was given a three-year community order and must go on the Horizon programme linked to sexual offending.

He must also do a rehabilitation requirement up to 40 days. He was also fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs.

○ A Wooler man has been fined £400 for driving while was he disqualified and for not having insurance.

Johnathan James Armstrong, 25, of Tenter Hill, pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened on the A697, at Longframlington, on Wednesday, March 7.

As well as the fine, he has been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £170 in costs and needs to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.