A Gateshead Paedophile soldier, Michael Lee, who volunteered to assist the Ukraine war effort has been punished after authorities uncovered his possession of extreme pornography and indecent depictions of youngsters.
Michael Lee, 27, a former British serviceman who was among the initial volunteers to combat in the conflict, has been placed on the Sex Offender Register after pleading guilty to multiple acts involving obscene images.
All relevant cartoons were presented, as stated by Carlisle Crown Court.
Prosecutor Brendan Burke said that the offences – which were committed over a six year period – came to light when police searched the defendant’s address in Workington and seized two digital devices.
Both contained illegal indecent child images. Michael Lee, whose address is now Westminster Street, Gateshead, admitted the following offences:
- Possessing 317 extreme pornographic images, involving bestiality.
- Downloading indecent child images – all of them cartoons, including 12 which were the worst Category, A; 7 which were Category B; and 32 which were Category C.
- And possessing a prohibited image of a child.
Kim Whittlestone, defending, handed the court a character reference from the Ukrainian platoon commander who served with Michael Lee.
One of the first foreigners to volunteer for the war effort, Michael Lee had uses his own military experience to help train other recruits to “Nato standard” and had taken part in operations. He was well-liked by his comrades.
“He’s been an industrious young man,” said Miss Whittlestone.
“This defendant had a very difficult upbringing. He had alcoholic parents and there was [Social Services] intervention.” Michael Lee had begun consuming alcohol when he was 13. Drinking heavily, he had described himself as a “functioning alcoholic.” [WTF HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH MASTURBATING WHILST VIEWING CHILD RAPE?]
The barrister said: “Since July of last year, he’s been totally alcohol free. He volunteered in Ukraine and, in essence, says that saved him.”
Volunteering had given him focus, helping him to stop drinking.
Miss Whittlestone said Michael Lee, like many such offenders when first confronted by such offending, had denied having a sexual interest in children. “He understands that is unrealistic,” said the barrister.
He was resolved to apply himself to the proposed sexual offender treatment programme.
Judge Nicholas Barker noted the prolonged period of the offending, which happened between November 2015, and March, 2021. But it was right to take into account the defendant’s challenging upbringing and his volunteering in Ukraine.
Michael Lee was the “very example” of a defendant suitable for an alternative sentence to custody, focused on rehabilitation, said the judge.
Judge Barker imposed a three-year community order, with 25 rehabilitation activity days. Lee must take part in the Sex Offender Treatment Programme.
Michael Lee will be on the Sex Offender Register for five years. As punishment, he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
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