A 56-year-old man has been jailed for seven years and six months after sending explicit images and videos encouraging the rape of a baby and an eight-year-old child. Mark Craig, from the Westerhope area of Newcastle, was caught in an undercover police operation.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Craig sent messages, including pictures and videos, about sexually abusing children to a man he believed had access to young girls. However, he was actually communicating with an undercover police officer. After the sting, police continued their complex investigation before arresting Craig in March.
He was charged with arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child, and distributing an indecent image of a child. Craig pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced on Friday, June 26.
Police Describe Craig as 'Serious Threat to Children'
The investigation was carried out by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU). Detective Inspector Hull of NEROCU said: "Thankfully this investigation has resulted in the sentencing of a dangerous paedophile who was a serious threat to children. This was down to the hard work of officers who do an incredibly difficult job trying to identify these predators and bring them to justice."
Under Operation Sentinel, the regional approach to tackling serious and organised crime, NEROCU continues to investigate online offences to safeguard children. If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, contact your local police force via their website or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
