In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Mathew Tharme, 48, was spared an immediate prison sentence for possessing and distributing “vile” child abuse material. On appearing at Liverpool Crown Court in 2019, the defendant, of Kilburn Avenue, Eastham, Wirral, pleaded guilty to five offences, including distributing indecent photos of children and possessing extreme pornography. It was reported that Tharme “reprehensibly” blamed his interest in “vile” images—including those of newborn babies being abused—on the death of his pet dog.
The investigation established the “grim” and calculated nature of Tharme’s digital activity. Merseyside Police reported that intelligence traced an IP address sharing abuse images via the Kik Messenger app to Tharme’s home in December 2018. The prosecution reported that a forensic search of his Apple iPhone and Asus laptop uncovered 20 Category A images—the most serious legal classification—showing girls as young as three being raped, alongside Category B images featuring the sexual abuse of a newborn.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Tharme “shamefully” engaged in “fantasy chat” regarding the rape and sexual assault of children. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Tharme “vilely” shared Category C images with other deviants in online chat rooms to “release frustration” over losing his job and his pet. The investigation established that while Tharme denied having a sexual interest in children, the jury heard he had “reprehensibly” searched for and possessed 118 “monstrous” images, including those of toddlers aged two to three.
Judge Andrew Menary QC noted that the photos were of an “extreme nature” and that distribution is a “terribly serious aggravating feature.” However, for his actions in Wirral, Tharme avoided immediate custody because the images he distributed were Category C rather than Category A. The judge noted that due to the “limited” number of photos and Tharme’s engagement with a counsellor, he would receive a 10-month sentence, suspended for two years, alongside 100 hours of unpaid work.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Mathew Tharme is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 10 months in prison, suspended for 2 years (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2029.
- SHPO Status: A 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order remains active until 2029.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court following a Merseyside Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Downloading indecent images (3 counts); Possessing indecent images; Distributing indecent images; Possessing extreme pornography.
- Origin: Eastham / Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Tharme is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Merseyside. Due to the nature of his conduct in Eastham, which involved “monstrous” fantasies about child rape and “reprehensible” digital distribution, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 10-year SHPO and indefinite registration are critical tools to ensure his digital activity is strictly monitored to prevent him from returning to “vile” online chat rooms.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register until 2029, Tharme must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence in Bromborough. Authorities state that his history of “atrocious” and “deceptive” excuses for his behavior necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to access unauthorized messaging apps, distribute “reprehensible” material, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and the activation of his prison sentence.
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