Sam Cruden

A West Cumbrian man has been placed on the Sex Offender Register after admitting he used artificial intelligence software to alter innocent stock images of children into indecent photographs. Sam Cruden, 27, of Chapel Street, Bigrigg, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

Prosecuting barrister Tim Evans told the court that Cruden had downloaded AI “undressing” software onto his mobile phone and paid for it from his personal bank account. He then used the programme to “effectively strip” stock images of children aged seven and eight. The resulting illegal images were classified as Category C, the least serious type of indecent child imagery.

Mr Evans said the photographs were discovered in a hidden area of Cruden’s PIN-protected phone. “They were in a disguised area of his phone,” he said. “They were in a tab disguised to look like a calculator but when you clicked on it you could see the images.” The images were created between 8 June and 3 July 2023, and were visible every time Cruden accessed his phone’s camera roll. Investigators also found 11 similarly altered images of adults, including people Cruden knew through Instagram. At the time, altering adult photos in this way was not a criminal offence—though it would be now, the court heard.

Cruden initially denied any knowledge of the pictures and, during a police interview, claimed he did not use AI or any image editing software. He maintained that stance until the morning his two-day trial was due to begin, when he entered a guilty plea. Defence barrister Tariq Khawam requested an adjournment for a pre-sentence report, which was granted by Recorder Philip Grundy.

The judge noted Cruden’s only previous conviction was for an excess alcohol offence in 2019. He was granted conditional bail, barring him from residing or sleeping at any address where a child lives. As a convicted sex offender, Cruden must now comply with notification requirements, providing personal details to the police. The duration of his time on the Sex Offender Register will depend on the sentence he receives when he returns to court on 16 July for sentencing.