Sentence limit on ‘pseudo porn’ slated

New limits on the maximum sentence for offences involving “pseudo
child pornography” have been slammed by children’s charity
Barnardo’s.

Tink Palmer, Barnardo’s principal policy officer, said judges were
being left with too much discretion and needed clearer guidance on
“matching the sentence to the offence”.

The recommendations, from independent public body the Sentencing
Advisory Panel, cover a range of child pornography offences and
have been issued as advice to the Court of Appeal.

The most controversial covers convictions for possession of pseudo
pornography – images that are computer generated or
manipulated.

The panel says the offences are at the lowest level of seriousness
and should carry a maximum of six months’ jail or a fine because
they do not involve abuse or exploitation.

But Palmer said: “Viewing child pornography can desensitise adults
and lead them towards further abuse. Abusers use such imagery to
lure children into abusive relationships.”

More information from www.sentencing-advisory-panel.gov.uk