Ashley Robinson, a 36-year-old paedophile from the North East, has been jailed after police discovered an 'absolutely horrendous' collection of child abuse material on his mobile phone. The case was heard at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, where Robinson appeared via video link from HMP Holme House.
Details of the Offence
Police visited Robinson's home in Darlington on November 12 last year after receiving intelligence about indecent images. He handed over his phone, which contained five category A, five category B, and two category C indecent images and videos. Further checks revealed a total of 36 category A, 17 category B, and six category C pictures and videos. The material involved children as young as six years old.
Prosecutor Ian Windridge stated: 'He handed over his phone and five category A, five category B and two category C indecent images and videos were found. When police carried out more checks they found in total 36 category A, 17 category B and six category C pictures and videos.'
Previous Convictions
Robinson had a prior conviction from 2017, when he received a suspended prison sentence for making and distributing indecent images. He was also subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders' register. In 2022, he breached a sexual risk order.
Sentencing and Impact
Judge Nathan Adams described the material as 'absolutely horrific' and noted that Robinson had been watching it for his own pleasure. The videos totaled 34 minutes in duration. Robinson's defence lawyer, William Green, highlighted his guilty plea and past engagement with probation, adding that the number of images was 'relatively small.'
Robinson was sentenced to 16 months in prison. His sexual harm prevention order was extended by nine years, and he will remain on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.
