A Northumberland man has appeared in court accused of having a stash of child sex abuse images.
Peter Bowery is alleged to have had a total of 50 indecent photos of youngsters, including two of category A, which are the most serious kind and involve penetrative sexual activity. The 57-year-old was suspected of downloading the pictures over an eight-month period between March and November 2022.
Bowery, of Princess Gardens, Blyth, was in the dock at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court this week where he withheld his pleas to three counts of making indecent photos of a child. He also didn’t give a plea to a further charge of possession of a prohibited image of a child, which relates to cartoons.
Prosecutor, Glenda Beck, said Bowery was alleged to have had two category A photos, five category B and 43 category C, as well as the cartoons. She added: “The Crown would say this is not suitable for summary trial.
“You will have seen the defendant is charged with possession of indecent images. The starting point is beyond this court’s sentencing powers.”
Stewart Hay, defending, agreed. Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Bowery was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 4.