Sex Offender Locked Up Again for Hoarding Horrific Child Abuse Images
Martin Sparks, 47, from Maldon Walk, Redbridge, has been slammed with a two years and four months prison sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He was also slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Repeat Offender Caught Red-Handed
Sparks pleaded guilty on 26 June 2020 to multiple charges including five breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and making indecent images of children, categories A and B – the very worst offenders can get.
Under Police Scrutiny: The Raid That Revealed the Darkness
On 18 June 2020, officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command raided Sparks’ home after receiving intel that he was downloading child abuse images using peer-to-peer software.
Sparks was previously convicted back in June 2018 for a similar offence. He served a suspended sentence along with a SHPO that was to last until “further order.” Despite this, he went right back to his vile habits.
Damning Evidence Seized in Police Search
- Police seized a computer tower Sparks used to download illegal images — counting for three SHPO breaches.
- An undeclared electronic tablet was found, breaking SHPO terms.
- Sparks also connected to his home router to download the images, another breach.
- Officers found two USB sticks hidden inside his shoes, containing 233 category A and 17 category B child abuse videos and images.
When cops questioned Sparks, he initially denied involvement but later admitted to the offences and five breaches of his SHPO. The sickening stash of images showed he was still fueling the market for child abuse.
Detective’s Warning: No Let-Up for Online Predators
Detective Constable James Cavenham said: “Sparks is now behind bars after committing the same hideous offence once again. The evidence we gathered meant he had no option but to plead guilty.
“Although this is not a contact offence, every single image depicts a child who suffered a terrible crime. People like Sparks keep this nightmare alive by seeking out these images.
“The Met will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those who download online images of child sexual abuse.”
For advice on keeping young people safe online, visit safe.met.police.uk.
