Indecent Images

Indecent image offences, commonly referred to as child pornography offences, encompass a range of illegal activities involving the creation, possession, distribution, or viewing of indecent images or pseudo-images of individuals under 18. These offences are governed by various laws, including the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Under UK law, indecent images are classified into three categories, each reflecting the severity of the content:

• Category A: Images depicting penetrative sexual activity, sexual activity with an animal, or sadism. 
• Category B: Images showing non-penetrative sexual activity.
• Category C: Images deemed indecent but not falling into Categories A or B.

The classification influences sentencing, with Category A offences attracting the most severe penalties.

Sentencing for indecent image offences varies based on the category of the image and the nature of the offence (e.g., possession, distribution, production). The Sentencing Council provides guidelines to assist courts in determining appropriate sentences. 

Possession:

• Category A: Starting point of 12 months custody. 
• Category B: Starting point of 26 weeks custody. 
• Category C: Starting point of a high-level community order. 

Distribution:

• Category A: Starting point of 3 years custody.
• Category B: Starting point of 12 months custody. 
• Category C: Starting point of 13 weeks custody. 

Production:

• Category A: Starting point of 6 years custody. 
• Category B: Starting point of 2 years custody.
• Category C: Starting point of 18 months custody.

These starting points are subject to adjustment based on aggravating or mitigating factors, such as the number of images involved, the offender’s role, and any previous convictions

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 introduced specific offences related to the possession of extreme pornographic images. An image is considered extreme if it is grossly offensive, disgusting, or otherwise obscene and explicitly depicts: 

• An act threatening or appearing to threaten a person’s life. 
• An act resulting or likely to result in serious injury to a person’s anus, breasts, or genitals. 
• Sexual interference with a human corpse. 
• A person performing or appearing to perform an act of intercourse or oral sex with an animal. 

Possessing such images is an offence punishable by up to 3 years in prison. If the offence involves images depicting acts that do not threaten life or cause serious injury, the maximum penalty is 2 years. Convictions may also result in inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register

Being charged with indecent image offences is a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences. It is important to seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in handling such cases. An experienced solicitor can provide guidance on the legal process, police station interviews, representation in court and potential defences.