12 men arrested over indecent images of children

by Stewart Robson

12 people have been arrested in the last month for possessing, distributing and making indecent images of children.

The PSNI has charged one person so far with the other 11 pending further investigations.

It's part of a country-wide crackdown on illegal pictures being sent across the province. Searches were carried out by the Child Internet Protection Team in Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry-Londonderry and Tyrone.

All men concerned were aged between 19 and 74.

Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman is head of the Public Protection Branch.

“These arrests and charges are a further illustration of our determination to tackle all forms of child sexual abuse to ensure we can protect children and apprehend offenders," she said.

“This year alone we have carried out 120 searches and made 72 arrests relating to various offences including possession, making and distributing indecent images and sexual communication with a child. 

“Some offenders may wrongly think viewing or sharing indecent images of a child is a victimless crime as they are not physically abusing the actual child but this is simply not the case. Research shows that each time an image or video is downloaded or shared the victim has said they feel that it is like being abused all over again."

CS Hilman added that there's been a decrease in so-called 'pedophile hunter' groups operating in Northern Ireland. However, she still  encouraged people to come forward with any information regarding the issue of indecent images.

She continued: “Our message to those who continue to exploit children online is very clear. You leave a digital footprint when you are downloading, viewing, making indecent images of children or when you  engage in sexual communication online with a child. Our dedicated officers will catch you and the repercussions are far reaching. 

“Working collaboratively with technology companies and law enforcement partners, we have the capacity, capability and determination to catch and bring offenders to justice and minimise the risk posed to children online by predatory offenders."