Alan Driscoll

A man from Sunderland was discovered to be in possession of indecent images of children following a police raid on his home, as reported by the Sunderland Echo on 28 January 2026.

Police officers acted on received information and searched the residence of Alan Driscoll, aged 48, seizing an electronic device belonging to him. Upon examination, investigators found 17 indecent images stored on the device: four classified as category A, the most serious level; one in category B; and 12 in category C. Additionally, an extreme pornographic image depicting a grossly offensive sexual act was located on the device.

Driscoll, who is now of no fixed abode, immediately admitted ownership of the device and responsibility for the images when confronted by officers. The offences occurred between 24 July and 23 September 2024.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Driscoll pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, as well as possession of an extreme pornographic image. Prosecutor Lauren Fisher outlined the case, stating: “It’s guilty pleas to these offences. These offences came to light after police received information and went to his address. They seized his device, and the images were found on the device. He said the device was his and that he was responsible for the images. It’s a starting point for category A of 12 weeks. We would say that this is suitable to be sentenced at the magistrates’ court, due to the guilty plea.”

Defending solicitor Paul Oxnard remarked: “It’s certainly a matter that you’re going to want reports.” The magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of reports, with sentencing scheduled for 12 March at the same court. In the interim, Driscoll was made subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, requiring him to report to a police station within three days.