A pervert who was described as a "normal 21-year-old" with a "good job" has avoided jail after downloading sickening child abuse material.
William Goodall was found in possession of 244 indecent images of children, 35 of which were in category A, the worst kind. The 21-year-old had also downloaded 49 extreme porn images which involved animals and was caught after police searched his home.
Goodall, of Dan's Castle, Tow Law, Bishop Auckland, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced for making indecent images. He had pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous hearing.
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Jane Waugh, prosecuting, said police went to Goodall's home on October 29, 2020, and seized mobile phones belonging to him. After police examined the devices, a total of 35 category A, 62 category B, and 147 category C images were found, along with 49 extreme porn images involving animals. The court heard that some of the images had been "moved around" by Goodall.
Vic Laffey, defending, said since his arrest, Goodall has chosen not to own a phone and has "no intention of buying one". He said his arrest had a "significant impact upon him". He said: "Since the date of the offence he has, it seems, become a normal 21-year-old. He has a good job, a partner and a stable family relationship." Mr Laffey told the court Goodall is now employed by a building company and that his boss had attended court in support. He added: "He (his boss) thinks enough of him to turn up today and he would have spoken on his behalf if necessary."
Sentencing him, Judge James Adkin said a pre-sentence report found that Goodall, who had no previous convictions, "didn't really understand the seriousness of such images". He said: "When you download images of children being abused, you provide a market place...without people like you, that market place would diminish, therefore there is less damage done to children."
Judge Adkin added there was a "measure of naivety" on Goodall's part and said he was going to take a "merciful course" and pass a suspended sentence. Goodall was given a six month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must also complete a 30 day programme, 120 hours unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation days. A seven-year sexual harm prevention order was also made and Goodall will be on the sex offender's register for seven years.
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