Suspended sentence for dad “addicted to filth” who downloaded over 70,000 indecent images of children

A Warrington dad downloaded more than 70,000 indecent images of children after developing an addiction to such filth.

Jose Baker’s lawyer told a court yesterday (Fri) that he had become desensitised to such material.

“It is acknowledged it is something of an addiction, seeing so much on a daily basis. He did not acknowledge these were real children,” said Kyra Badman.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that some of the images involved very young children, including babies 12 months old, though most were young teenagers.

The judge, Recorder Mark Cooper said: “Any right thinking person would be disgusted to hear what you have been doing and you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.”

Louise McCloskey, prosecuting, said that police raided 52-year-old Baker’s home in Warrington on January 17 last year and seized an iPhone, computer and hard drive.
When they were forensically examined they were found to contain a total of 351 images and videos in the most serious group, category A; 229 in category B and 71,502 in the least serious group, category C.
They also found 18 extreme pornographic images and videos involving bestiality and two prohibited images of children.
“Further interrogation of the telephone recovered a WhatsApp group consisting of eight participants including the defendant who had sent and shared a Category C image to others in the group,” said Ms McCloskey.

The court heard that searches of his Safari search history included ‘age of consent UK” and “age of consent around the world.” A website known for hosting child sexual abuse material was also found as well as evidence of trying to conceal such material.
Baker, a shift manager, of Wellfield Street, Bewsey and Whitecross, Warrington, pleaded guilty to seven offences involving possessing indecent, extreme and prohibited images, distributing an image and making indecent images.

Miss Badman said that his remorse was clear and he had been extremely open with the probation service about his addiction which was quite rare. He has also voluntarily contacted the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for assistance.
“Apart from this dark side he has in private he is a model father,” she said.
“He has moved from the family home and is now living in his father’s property, who is in a care home. He has lost his normal family life living with his partner and daughter and going out to his good job. He is now living alone and only has supervised contact with his daughter.

“He has been suspended from work and does not know the future. HIs employers will consider following the outcome of today’s proceedings,” said Miss Badman.
He has turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and the amount he is drinking will affect his physical health. He is worried if jailed his family will lose their home, she said, adding that his father’s house will have to be sold to pay the care home costs which would be difficult if he is behind bars.

Recorder Cooper said that he was glad to hear that Baker was taking steps to address his addiction. “In my judgement long term change is more likely to be accomplished with the probation support in the community.”
He sentenced him to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered him to carry out 60 days rehabilitation activities. He also has to pay £350 towards prosecution costs and sign on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for the same length of time.