An "isolated" County Durham paedophile shared sickening child abuse images to other perverts over Skype.
Samuel Kettell was found in possession of over 220 indecent images - some of which were videos - when police raided his home on June 9. His electronic devices were also seized and checks revealed he'd been sharing some of the material, which depicted children in pain and distress, over the internet.
The 21-year-old had committed the offences between May 2019 and June 2020, and when arrested he admitted full responsibility. Kettell, of Sledmere Close, Peterlee, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for charges relating to making and distributing indecent images. The court heard Kettell was in possession of 107 category A, 56 category B, and 64 category C, indecent images and videos of children. He also shared a "small amount" of child abuse images online.
Read more: Police launch investigation into report 63-year-old woman was raped in Wallsend
Jonathan Gittins, prosecuting, said police went to Kettell's home after receiving information regarding indecent images. "On arrival, the defendant was informed of this and he asked to speak to a detective in private where he stated he was responsible and admitted the offences", he said. "His electronic items were recovered, including a Lenovo laptop and a black iPhone. Images were found."
The court heard that the indecent images that were found on Kettell's iPhone were "hidden in a music app" and "accessible images" were found on the laptop. Mr Gittins, said: "Some were shared via Skype and two Skype conversations were found, one where images were shared. In interview the defendant gave no comment, apart from saying his partner had no involvement."
Michael Cahill, defending, said: "He is a young man who had the good sense to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity." He said Kettell had no previous convictions and that during his teenage years he was the "primary carer" for his mum. Because of this, he said Kettell is "rather childlike in his presentation". He added that Kettell cooperated with the police and "provided passwords" for his devices.
Sentencing Kettell, Judge Robert Spragg, said he had shown "deep shame, self-loathing, and regret" and was someone who had "few significant friendships". He said Kettell was "isolated and vulnerable" and has "poor mental health" issues, and added there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation".
Kettell was given a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work. He must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity days and a 90 day sex offender programme. He will be on the sex offender's register for 10 years, and a 10 year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.
