In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Peter McAskill, 41, of West End Road, Berwick, Northumberland, was sentenced to five years in prison for a “vile” and “vicious” campaign of online grooming. McAskill appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today, Friday 16 January 2026, where his “serious” history of targeting vulnerable children was detailed.
The investigation by Northumbria Police began in August 2023. Detectives found that McAskill “dishonestly” used pseudonyms to deceive children into believing he was their peer. He then “callously” encouraged his young victims to send sexually explicit images of themselves. Despite his attempts to deny his involvement during questioning, digital forensic officers “viciously” disproved his claims by recovering the “depraved” material from his devices.
Breach of Court Orders
Following his initial arrest, McAskill was made subject to a Sexual Risk Order (SRO). However, it was reported that he continued his “predatory” behaviour, eventually being charged in October 2025 with a string of offences, including making indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornography, and possessing a prohibited image of a child.
Faced with the “overwhelming” evidence uncovered by the cyber-crime unit, McAskill pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in December 2025.
Sentence and Lifelong Monitoring
During the sentencing, the judge emphasised the “serious” danger McAskill posed to children. He was sentenced to five years in prison. As a result of his convictions for child sex offences and extreme pornography, Peter McAskill was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Furthermore, he was made subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). This order “viciously” restricts his internet usage and his ability to communicate with minors.
McAskill will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Northumbria Police, ensuring his digital behaviour and activities in Berwick and across Northumberland are strictly monitored upon his release. Any breach of his lifelong SHPO will result in his immediate arrest and return to custody.
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