In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 36-year-old Craig Empson—of Kirklands Road, west Hull—was sentenced at Hull Crown Court for amassing a vast collection of child abuse material. The investigation established that Empson had 4,149 images and videos on his devices, including 1,218 images and 138 videos in Category A, the most serious classification. The prosecution reported that Empson had been downloading this “disgusting filth” for his own sexual gratification over a seven-year period between 2017 and 2024.
The investigation established that police raided Empson’s home following an investigation into his digital footprint. The prosecution reported that during his interview, Empson was “frank” about his interest in young children and admitted to attempting to conceal the material. Despite the “stomach-churning” volume of images, the court heard that Empson had no previous convictions and had made full admissions regarding his underlying interests to the probation service.
Judicial Findings and Suspended Sentence
The court reported that Empson’s actions directly contributed to the abuse of children, with Judge Gurdial Singh stating that consumers of such material are just as responsible as those filming it. The investigation established that the judge viewed the crime as a “non-victimless” act of degradation. However, the prosecution reported that the judge opted for a rehabilitative approach, determining that addressing the cause of Empson’s criminality in the community was the most effective way to protect the public.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Empson being handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. For his actions in west Hull and the nature of the “vile” digital collection reported, he was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The judge noted that while Empson could have no complaint if he were jailed, the prospect of successful rehabilitation justified a community-based sentence with strict oversight.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Hull Crown Court in 2026:
- Custodial Status: NON-CUSTODIAL (16-month sentence suspended for 2 years).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for 10 YEARS.
- SHPO Status: Active for 10 YEARS (Sexual Harm Prevention Order strictly controlling digital access and device usage).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Making indecent images of children x3; Possessing prohibited images).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Hull Crown Court; investigated by Humberside Police.
- Criminal Record: Amassed over 4,000 images over seven years; Found with a high volume of Category A child rape material; Admitted to sexual gratification from the material; Subject to a decade of monitoring.
- Origin: Kirklands Road, west Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Empson is managed as a registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his long-term involvement in downloading and “concealing” Category A material—he is a priority for digital forensic monitoring and unannounced device audits. Authorities reported that the 2026 conviction ensures Empson’s residency and internet usage are subject to strict police oversight for a period of ten years.
As a registered sex offender, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Empson’s history identifies him as an individual who prioritised his own “vile” pleasure over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by Empson to notify police of his movements in Hull or elsewhere, or any breach of his 10-year SHPO or suspended sentence conditions, will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the judge noted Empson was “Just as responsible as those filming” the abuse, do you believe that a “Suspended Sentence” is an appropriate deterrent for individuals found with over 1,000 Category A images?
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