Bassetlaw man who downloaded child porn ‘realistic’ about prospect of jail
A Bassetlaw man who went down “a dark path” when he downloaded vile child porn was "realistic" about the prospect of going to prison, a court has heard.
Dale Greaves, aged 42, of Station Avenue, Ranskill, admitted three counts of possessing indecent images when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on September 24.
One category A image, which is the most serious, 88 category B images, and six category C images were found on an iPhone seized by the police on August 25 2022, said prosecutor Freddie Sail.
The court heard the offence has a starting point of one year with a range of 26 weeks to three years.
Greaves has two previous convictions, dating back 20 years, but no similar offending on his record.
Hannah Eddison, mitigating, said: "There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
"He has taken steps to deal with his mental health issues. He has opened up to close members of his family and friends.
"He acknowledges that what he has done is wrong. He is willing to engage with the probation service to ensure he doesn't offend again.”
At the time he was struggling with the breakdown of his relationship and “bearing the brunt” of business pressures, Ms Eddison added.
"He was taken down a dark path,” she said. “He doesn't use this as an excuse. This is something that is out of character. He is aware of the implications.”
On Tuesday, he received a 34-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, with an accredited programme. He will continue to sign on the sex offenders register for seven years.
He was ordered to pay a £187 surcharge and £85 costs.