Ivan Robertshaw

A man from Ingleton has been sentenced for possessing and sharing indecent images of children, including extremely young toddlers. Ivan Robertshaw, aged 23 and working as a chef, was reported to police in 2022 after videos depicting child sexual abuse were discovered on his mobile phone. An investigation revealed that he had downloaded 60 images categorised as A, B, and C, with Category A being the most severe, spanning a period of six years. These images involved children as young as 12 months old, one of whom was described as being in distress.

Prosecutor Laura McBride outlined the case at Bradford Crown Court, noting that Robertshaw's internet history included searches for illegal child abuse material. He had not only downloaded the content but also shared it with a network of other individuals. During his police interview, Robertshaw provided no comment, but he later entered guilty pleas to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. It was stated that he had no previous convictions.

Sentencing occurred at Bradford Crown Court, where Mr Recorder Ciaran Rankin imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years on all counts concurrently. The judge described a community-based punishment as 'more proactive and progressive' than immediate custody. Addressing Robertshaw directly, Recorder Rankin remarked, 'You say that perhaps out of boredom … you turned to alcohol and some drugs, and that is probably what’s caused your move into this sort of behaviour and world.' He emphasised the gravity of the offence, stating, 'This is not a victimless crime. It’s only because of people like you searching for them that there is a market for them, which places them at significant risk.'

In addition to the suspended sentence, Robertshaw was required to register as a sex offender for ten years and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. Two mobile phones seized by police were forfeited and ordered for destruction. Robertshaw must also pay a victim surcharge and £150 in court costs. The judge warned, 'You may feel relief. You may feel as if you’ve got away with this. You haven’t. ... This is a prison sentence, albeit suspended. If you commit any type of offence within the next two years, the sentence I have imposed upon you shall be reviewed and the likelihood is that you’ll go to prison. You have been given an opportunity that you should take advantage of.'

The case was reported by Tony Earnshaw, Crime and Court Reporter for the Craven Herald, based on proceedings at Bradford Crown Court. The article highlights the ongoing issue of online child sexual exploitation and the role of individuals in perpetuating demand for such material.