Sophie Louise Carter

A paedophile tree surgeon, Sophie Louise Carter, has been spared immediate jail after being found in possession of indecent images of children. The 39-year-old, from Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, was prosecuted under her former male name, Dominic Mark Carter, but now identifies as a woman. The case came to light following an incident on April 3, 2021, when police challenged her and seized two devices containing severe child abuse material.

According to court proceedings at Southampton Crown Court, Carter 'wrestled' with officers to stop them from taking her phone during the initial confrontation. Upon examination, the devices revealed two category A images—the most severe classification—along with three category B and six category C images. These images depict the abuse of children for the gratification of viewers, as highlighted by Judge Nicholas Rowland, who stated: 'The reason that children around the world are subject to abuse and it is filmed is because people seek gratification. People like you get gratification from looking at those images.'

• Carter admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.
• She has a history of five convictions for six past offences.
• Defence barrister Ed Warren noted a 'history of abuse' in Carter's life from age five, contributing to trauma, alongside longstanding alcohol abuse and class A drug use at the time of the offence.

Carter, who attended court dressed in a pink t-shirt, pink shorts, and with pink nail polish, is no longer using drugs but continues to struggle with drinking. She has been signed off work until 2024 due to mental health issues exacerbated by this case. Previously employed as a tree surgeon, her marriage ended amid the relationship's disintegration. The court, reported by MailOnline on August 30, 2023, imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, alongside 60 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally, Carter must register as a sex offender and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years. A deprivation order was made for the two seized phones, ensuring they cannot be returned. This sentencing reflects the court's consideration of her personal circumstances while addressing the gravity of child sexual exploitation offences.