Let-off for pervert caught with child porn

A paedophile who downloaded hundreds of indecent images of children has avoided jail.

John Hooker, 40, made 325 indecent images of children which were found on his computer by police.

Hooker had used search terms in order to specifically seek out the images online, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Gregor McKinley, prosecuting, said: ‘The police went to the defendant’s home to examine his home computer after they had received information from the internet network that the defendant may having indecent images of children.

‘The end result of that check was that images were discovered on the defendant’s computer.

‘They had not been downloaded per se, but there was a record of the defendant having viewed them.

‘He was arrested and interviewed and admitted having looked at the images.

‘He said he had looked for them through searching but had not downloaded them.

‘There were all class C images, images of young children, some wearing tight or skimpy clothing.’

The court had previously heard that Hooker had a long term drug problem which he is still receiving treatment for.

Hooker had admitted making indecent images of children and possession of indecent images.

Judge Stephen Robbins handed Hooker a three month prison sentence on each count, suspended for two years.

‘I take into account your guilty plea and when it was given,’ the judge said.

‘I have also taken into account your substance abuse, health problems and lifestyle.’

He was also handed a rehabilitation requirement order of 100 days, and handed a Sexual Harm Protection Order.

Hooker, of Penfold Place, Camden, had admitted making indecent images of children and possession of indecent images.

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