Tax boss had 'morbid curiosity' for child abuse

A man who claimed he watched extreme indecent videos of children out of "morbid curiosity" has been sentenced.

Peter Tindale, 43 and from Chester-le-Street, had a "compulsive interest in pornography" that "morphed into something more sinister", a Newcastle Crown Court judge said.

Judge Nathan Adams said Tindale, a family man who had a well-paid job as a tax manager, had ruined his life.

Tindale admitted three counts of making indecent images of children, including some in the most serious category, and was jailed for six month suspended for two years.

He must also sign the sex offenders' register for seven years and comply with a sexual harm prevention order limiting his access to and use of the internet.

Judge Adams said Tindale had a long-term interest in "mainstream" pornography and was sent images of children by people he met in chat rooms.

The judge said Tindale claimed he looked at them out of "morbid curiosity" and was "shocked and disgusted" by what he saw, but was unable to explain why he looked at them again.

He said Tindale denied having a sexual interest in children and had sought therapy having "recognised distorted thinking" on his part.

Judge Adams said some of the most serious videos included children of a young age who were in "visible distress".

After reading a report from the probation service, the judge concluded Tindale was manageable within the community.

Judge Adams said Tindale, of Clifford Terrace, was now separated from his family and would most likely lose his job.

The judge told the offender: "In short this behaviour by you has ruined your life."

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