North Tyneside paedophile jailed after photographing himself abusing a child

A judge has jailed a North Tyneside man for 12 years after he photographed himself sexually abusing a child.

Sean Luke McIntosh's, 39, offending was brought to the attend of Northumbria Police by law enforcement partners, who had captured evidence of him uploading images of illegal child abuse on to the social media site, Discord.

Officers swiftly raided McIntosh's home address in Backworth, where he was arrested and a number of electronic devices were sezied.

Upon examination of the devices, police found more than 13,500 ranging from the most serious Category A images and videos to prohibited images.

When expert victim identification officers started to analyse the images, they soon discovered evidence that McIntosh had also been abusing a child and inciting her to engage in sexual acts with him.

The 39-year-old had also taken photographs of his vile offending.

As a result, he was re-arrested and charged with a total of 13 offences, including taking, possessing and distributing indecent images and sexual assault.

McIntosh, of Castle Square in Backworth, previously appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

On Friday, December 22, he appeared back at the same court where he was jailed for 12 years and issued with a sexual harm prevention order.

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Detective Constable Elizabeth Biggins, the officer in charge of the case, said: “McIntosh’s offending is absolutely despicable and I am pleased he is now behind bars where he can’t pose a danger to anyone else.

“I hope his victim and their family are now able to get a sense of closure and move forward from this ordeal.

“One of the hardest things about my job is making contact with victims and their families to notify them about our investigations.

“Sadly, many children will not even be aware they are victims as predators like McIntosh are experts at coercion and manipulation.

"Or, if they are aware what has been happening is wrong, they often keep it a secret and live with that trauma for fear of what the offender may do.

“No child should have to fall victim to offending like this and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and other agencies, to ensure those at risk are identified and safeguarded, offenders are pursued and brought before the courts.”