In January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Luke Halenko, 22, of North Street, Tillingham, Essex, was scheduled to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court for collecting a library of child abuse material. Halenko was 19 at the time of his initial arrest in 2022, following a police investigation into the downloading of illegal content.
The court heard that Essex Police were alerted to Halenko’s activities through digital intelligence. After obtaining a search warrant for his home, officers seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic examination revealed a total of 33 indecent images of children. The collection included 10 images in Category A—the most serious classification, which depicts sexual abuse and rape being inflicted on children. He also possessed 14 images in Category B and nine in Category C. Halenko admitted to three charges of making an indecent image of a child.
During his appearance at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on December 9, 2025, the prosecution argued that the presence of Category A images made the case too serious for the magistrates’ sentencing powers. While Halenko’s defence counsel requested a community-based sentence, citing his age at the time of the offences and his lack of previous convictions, the legal advisor recommended the case be committed to the Crown Court for a more severe penalty.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Luke Halenko was committed to Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing. The judge will determine the length of his custodial term or any potential community-based requirements, taking into account his early guilty pleas and the nature of the material accessed.
As a result of his convictions for child sex offences, Halenko will be required to register as a sex offender. He is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Essex. This involves monitoring by Essex Police and the National Probation Service to manage the risk he poses to the community. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which will place strict, legally enforceable restrictions on his internet use and proximity to children.
UPDATE
Luke Halenko was sentenced to an 18-month community order.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.