February 2017

Alston man sentenced for downloading indecent child images

A MAN who downloaded hundreds of indecent pictures of children has been sentenced by a judge.

David Nowak, 42, viewed and catalogued still and moving illegal images over a period of more than six years.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Nowak had a total of almost 700 photographs and movies on a laptop and external hard drive. Some 272 of these were said to be classes in category A – the most serious.

Nowak was sentenced today. He had previously admitted three charges of making indecent photographs of children, and one possession offence.

Judge Peter Hughes QC considered a raft of background information – including a psychological report – before passing sentence.

Judge Hughes concluded the best way of protecting the public was a 36-month community order – the longest period he was permitted to impose by law.

Nowak, of Jollybeard Gate, Alston, was given a 35-day rehabilitation requirement.

He must sign the sex offenders’ register for five years, and made subject to the terms of a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.