Hartlepool resident, , 48, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison after being found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. The sentence was handed down last week.

Detective Constable Carl Middleton, part of the Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU) at Cleveland Police, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He stated, “Cleveland Police welcomes the sentence handed to Lee Dennison. He was in possession of child abuse images containing the horrific abuse of young children and babies.”

DC Middleton added “crimes of this nature are considered abhorrent and the children shown in the images Dennison possessed were subjected to unimaginable suffering”

The lack of remorse displayed by Dennison was evident when a random visit by SOMU officers resulted in witnessing him attempting to hide devices in his home. These devices, which should have been declared to the authorities, were immediately seized. Another device was found concealed under his mattress.

DC Middleton emphasised that this sentence sends a clear message to others who may engage in such criminal activities. The police force will not tolerate such crimes, and those who continue to access abusive and appalling content relating to children online will be pursued and brought to justice.