In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Joseph Robinson, then 19, of Vicarage Avenue, Stockton, County Durham, avoided an immediate prison sentence despite amassing a “vile” and “vicious” collection of more than 2,800 “grotesque” images of children. Robinson, described as a high-flying university student, appeared at Teesside Crown Court, where a judge ordered him to undergo “treatment” for his “depraved” interests.
The investigation by Cleveland Police began on 11 October 2018, when officers raided his home and seized a computer tower and a memory stick. Forensic experts discovered 2,598 indecent images of children, including “vile” samples of pre-pubescent boys and girls. The collection included over three hours of Category A videos—the most “serious” level—depicting children being “viciously” raped and tortured. The prosecution emphasised that to any “right-thinking person,” the material was “appalling.”
“Unhealthy Interest” and Academic Mitigation
In court, it was reported that Robinson had accessed the “dark web” to find the “vicious” material. His defence team “dishonestly” argued that an immediate custodial sentence would “interrupt his studies” and ruin his chances of securing a “high-earning job” in 2020. They claimed that because of his age, his behaviour could still be “modified” with help.
Judge Howard Crowson emphasised that Robinson had a “vile” and “unhealthy interest” in the abuse of young children, noting that every time such images are viewed, the victims are “violated again.” The judge remarked that the people who provided character references for the student would be “horrified” if they knew the “grotesque” details of his “vicious” crimes.
Suspended Sentence and Monitoring
Despite the “serious” nature of the images, which included “vile” torture and rape, Robinson was handed a one-year sentence in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for two years. He was ordered to complete an internet sex offender treatment programme and 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
As a result of his conviction for making and possessing indecent images of children, Joseph Robinson was:
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
- Given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to monitor his computer and internet use.
Robinson is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cleveland Police, ensuring his digital behaviour and movements in Stockton and the wider Teesside area are strictly monitored. Any attempt to access the “dark web” or breach his SHPO will result in his immediate arrest and the activation of his prison sentence.
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