In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Mark Westwell, 47, of Shakespeare Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, was jailed for 30 months for creating “sickening” deepfake indecent images of three children. On appearing at Preston Crown Court for sentencing in March 2026, the defendant cried in the dock as the court heard how he superimposed the faces of children aged between 11 and 16 onto pornographic images of adults. The court reported that the images were discovered during an investigation into allegations of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
The investigation established that while a separate probe into sexualised behaviour was dropped without charges, Westwell’s electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis. Lancashire Constabulary reported that a search of his phone and tablet uncovered hundreds of pornographic files, including 51 “deepfake” pseudo-images created by Westwell. The prosecution reported that the collection included eight Category A images—the most serious classification—as well as eight Category B and 35 Category C images in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Westwell’s actions were classed as “production” due to the deliberate and technical method he used to create the indecent material. Preston Crown Court heard how the defendant sat with his head in his hands throughout the hearing, wiping away tears as his “despicable” crimes were detailed. The prosecution reported that the creation of these deepfakes represented a significant and calculated escalation of predatory interest in children known to him in Blackburn.
The judge noted that the offences were so serious that they could only be met with an immediate custodial sentence. For his actions in Blackburn, Lancashire, Westwell pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images. The judge noted that a 30-month sentence for the Category A offences, with concurrent 12-month terms for the remaining counts, was necessary to reflect the gravity of producing “vile” pseudo-images of real children.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Mark Westwell was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 30 months in prison (March 2026).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for 10 years.
- SHPO: Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court following a digital forensic investigation.
- Criminal Record: Three counts of making indecent images of children (Production).
- Origin: Shakespeare Way, Blackburn, Lancashire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Westwell is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary and the National Probation Service in the Blackburn area. Due to the “predatory” nature of his use of deepfake technology to target specific children in Blackburn, Lancashire, his management is subject to intensive scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register until 2036, Westwell must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and digital assets. Authorities state that his history of using tablets and phones to create “vile” pseudo-images necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of his internet usage and software access. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of his 10-year SHPO in Blackburn, Preston, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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