A man from Peterlee narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting to possessing and distributing indecent images of children, as well as extreme pornographic material.
Nathan Egan, 26, appeared before Durham Crown Court, where he was sentenced for multiple offenses related to the possession, making, and sharing of highly disturbing content.
The court heard that the material, which included hundreds of indecent images of children and extreme pornographic content involving animals, was stored on a concealed application on Egan’s mobile phone.
Police visited Egan’s home in August 2023, acting on intelligence.
During the investigation, officers recovered several devices and uncovered evidence of a hidden app containing numerous indecent files.
According to the prosecution, 156 of the images were in the most serious category.
Many of the files were also found to have been distributed via an encrypted messaging platform.
Egan, who reportedly viewed the material while under the influence of cannabis, was described as having engaged with online forums and being misled by an individual he believed to be in a relationship with.
His defense stated he was a vulnerable and naïve young man with learning difficulties and no previous convictions.
He cooperated with authorities, including by providing his phone’s PIN code during his arrest.
Judge Jo Kidd, who presided over the sentencing, described the content as “sickening” and noted the significant harm involved.
She acknowledged aggravating factors such as Egan’s efforts to conceal his activities and engage with others sharing similar interests.However, she ultimately imposed a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, citing his lack of prior criminal history, young age, and cognitive vulnerabilities.
As part of his sentence, Egan must complete 40 rehabilitation activity days, undergo six months of drug rehabilitation, and comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He will also be placed on the sex offender register for the same duration.
Judge Kidd warned Egan of the serious consequences should he reoffend or breach the terms of his order: “If you come before me again, you will go to prison.”
