A Northumberland paedophile who was caught with horrific child abuse images feels “physically sick” by his own behaviour.
Thomas Rain was caught after the National Crime Agency found he had uploaded an indecent image to Snapchat. Police then raided the 31-year-old’s home and discovered a number of child sexual abuse images on his mobile phone.
Rain was found in possession of 20 indecent images, three of which were in category A – the most serious kind. It was also discovered that he had been chatting with others on the social media app, but there was no evidence he had been sharing images.
Rain, formerly of Hexham, but now of Pine Grove, Lazonby, Penrith, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced for three counts of making indecent images. The offences were committed in Hexham, between December 2021 and June 2023. He had pleaded guilty.
Amber Walker, prosecuting, said; “On June 11 2023, police went to the defendant’s home address following information from the National Crime Agency that an indecent image had been uploaded to Snapchat. The username and IP address was connected to the defendant.”
Police searched Rain’s home and seized a Samsung mobile phone, a laptop and a PlayStation. Three category A images, six category B images, and 11 category C images were found on his mobile phone. The ages of the children depicted in some of the images were between five and 13 years old, the court heard. Ms Walker added that Rain was of previous good character and that there was no evidence any images had been distributed.
Mark Harrison, defending, told the court that Rain pleaded guilty early on and had cooperated with police while being supported by his family. He said: “His dad is determined, as a family unit, to help him through the other side.
“[Rain] has no excuses for his behaviour. He found himself becoming addicted to pornography and falling into more and more explicit material. He remains in a relationship and his partner knows of his offending, he remains in work.”
Mr Harrison added: “He can’t provide a good explanation as to why he became a mis-user of this type of material. His remorse is genuine and he feels physically sick by his actions.”
Sentencing Rain, Judge Julie Clemitson said it was “concerning” he had been chatting to people on Snapchat and handed him a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must undertake 40 rehabilitation days and 90 hours unpaid work. A seven-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed and he will be on the sex offenders register for seven years. He must also pay £150 costs.
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