Mansfield man downloaded child porn mixed up with 'hardcore music'

Police visited Andrew Lowe's home on December 10, 2019 and seized his phone and laptop after learning of the downloads on October 12, prosecutor Anthony Cheung said.

They found 19 Category A images, 11 Category B images and videos and 54 Category C images, where Category A is the most extreme.

In his first interview, Lowe claimed he had only downloaded ‘hardcore dance music’, but later conceded he had retained the child porn.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that Lowe received 13 months for engaging in sexual activity with a child in 2011.

Andrew Wesley, mitigating, said: "It would seem that at the time of the offending he was socially isolated. He lapsed into the use of pornography.

"Since this offence he's revisited all of the choices he was making at the time."

He said Lowe had since made ‘positive changes’, including landing a better job and starting a new relationship.

"There has been cooperation over a 10-year period and no breaches of the notification order," Mr Wesley said.

"He has indicated a willingness to work with the probation service.”

Lowe, 40, of Greenshank Close, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to possessing the indecent images.

Judge John Sampson told him: ”What is troubling here is your previous conviction. Your risk of harm to others is probably quite low.

"This is a direct alternative to custody."

He imposed a three year community order, with an accredited programme to ‘deflect you from this kind of behaviour in the future’, and 15 rehabilitation days.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.