A YOUNG man from Carlisle employed as a “child activities leader” was secretly pursuing a depraved sexual interest in children.

Oliver Owen, 25, amassed a collection of more than 6,000 sickening child images, including photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers and babies, Carlisle Crown  Court heard.

In disturbing online chats with “like-minded” people, he spoke of his desire to sexually abuse – and even rape – children.

The defendant, of Bowman Street, Carlisle, was jailed for two years after he admitted downloading abuse images and distributing them on dates between March, 2019, and October, 2020.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, said police went to Owen’s home on October 22 last year, where he was arrested on suspicion of downloading indecent child images. His response to the officers, the court heard, was to say: “Yes; I think I have totally ruined my life and all I’ve worked for.”

The barrister outlined how an examination of the defendant’s phone showed the disturbing scale of his interest. The officers found:

  • 1,081child abuse images classed as Category A, including 215 videos.
  • 640 Category B abuse images, including 46 videos.
  • And 3,933 Category B abuse images, including 25 videos.

There was also illegal extreme pornography and prohibited images of children. Police also found evidence of Owen’s online conversations with other people who clearly shared his sexual preference, said Mr Evans.

Owen spoke of wanting to rape a ten-year-old featured in one abuse video but added that he would preferr to have sex with younger children. He also commented the he  “could not wait to have kids” so he could abuse them.

In yet another distressing exchange, he said he wanted to open an orphanage so children could be sold to the "highest bidder." Mr Evans also spoke of Owen’s unhealthy sexual interest in the children he had been near to at work.  

Judith McCullough, defending, said Owen felt remorse and had accepted responsibility for what he had done and had sought help. “He is deeply ashamed to find himself before the crown court.

“He is appalled by the offences he has committed.

“He has shown remorse – remorse that is genuine in the view of the author of the pre-sentence report.” Adding that Owen was “truly ashamed” of himself, Miss McCullough said intensive community-based supervision would offer better protection to the public.

The barrister said the defendant’s offending followed his decision to explore his own sexuality online but after joining chat groups he had found himself going to the “dark depths” of his offending.

Thought to be on the autistic spectrum, Owen had had not known how to escape from his behaviour, and was ultimately relieved to be caught, added the barrister.

Judge Ian Unsworth QC told the defendant: “This is a serious offence of its type. You were found with over 6,000 images.”

This had to be considered against the background of Owen’s employment at the time as a child activities leader, said the judge. “There is clear evidence,” continued the judge, “that you had taken your fantasies to another level…

“It is clear that over a period of time, unbeknown to others and in a manner that is truly shocking to your family and friends who love and support you that you descended into the very depths of depravity.

“This indeed is a serious case of its type.”

But the judge noted the defendant’s previous good character and the “active and positive” steps he had taken to help himself, but his public duty required an immediate custodial sentence, added the judge.

Owen will be on Sex Offender Register for a decade and subject to a sexual harm prevention order – restricting his access to the internet and children – for the same period.