Mark Oakley

Mark Oakley, a 59-year-old resident of Coundon near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court for possessing a large collection of child abuse images that he had accumulated online over more than two decades.

During an unrelated police investigation, authorities suspected Oakley of messaging individuals online about child sexual abuse material. On 17 April 2023, officers from Durham Constabulary visited his home at Well Chare, Coundon, and seized various electronic devices. Forensic examination revealed 420 indecent images of children across all three severity categories, including 81 in the most serious category A. Additionally, ten prohibited computer-generated indecent child images and 13 extreme pornographic images involving bestiality were found on the devices, some accessible and others requiring recovery.

Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur informed the court that Oakley had previously admitted to three counts of possessing indecent images of children in still and video form, one count of possessing prohibited computer-generated indecent child images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. Despite being interviewed twice—once on the day of the seizure and again after the device analysis—Oakley made no comment. He was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register on an interim basis following his admissions at a hearing the previous month.

Defence representative Sue Hirst highlighted that Oakley's arrest and the proceedings had prompted him to recognise his problem and seek help through the 'Stop it Now' agency. She noted his history of full-time employment in a phone support role for a large company, his isolated lifestyle, a past long-term abusive relationship, and current health issues including diabetes and stress from the case. Hirst emphasised that Oakley had only one prior conviction of a dissimilar nature.

Judge Nathan Adams described Oakley's behaviour as a 'long-standing entrenched pattern,' spanning over 20 years, and stressed that the real children depicted in the images were being 'abused and tortured,' with individuals like Oakley contributing to the proliferation of such horrific material. However, considering his lack of relevant previous offences and efforts to address his behaviour, the judge suspended a 22-month prison sentence for 21 months. Oakley was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days under Probation Service supervision. He was subjected to notification requirements as a sex offender and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), both lasting ten years, which prohibited unsupervised contact with children under 16. Additionally, his name was referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service for a lifetime ban from working with children or vulnerable persons. The judge warned Oakley that any breach would result in immediate custody.