A Newcastle man who encouraged the rape of a baby and an eight-year-old child has been jailed for seven years and six months. Mark Craig, 56, from Westerhope, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child, and distributing an indecent image of a child.
Undercover operation catches predator
Craig sent explicit messages about sexually abusing children to a man he believed had access to young girls, including a baby. He also sent explicit images and videos of himself in February 2026. However, the recipient was actually an undercover police officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) conducting an investigation.
Officers arrested Craig in March 2026 following a complex operation. He was subsequently charged and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.
Sentencing and police response
On Friday, June 27, 2026, Craig was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. NEROCU Detective Inspector Hull said: "Thankfully this investigation has resulted in the sentencing of a dangerous paedophile who was a serious threat to children. This was down to the hard work of officers who do an incredibly difficult job trying to identify these predators and bring them to justice."
Hull added: "Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children."
Appeal to the public
Police urge anyone with concerns about child abuse or who wants to report a crime to contact their local police force via their website or by calling 101. In emergencies, always dial 999. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
