Police uncovered offenders and victims based in other parts of the world such as Italy, France, and the US. The evidence and intelligence collected has now been passed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for them to make arrests, safeguard children and conduct investigations.
DCI Jen Tattersall, head of our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “This case is a real testament to how we and criminal justice partners, such as the CPS, can evolve and adapt as offenders do, to ensure we are still able to seek justice for victims, despite new trends and ways of offending.
“Nelson (pictured) is an extremely dangerous man who thought he could get away with what he was doing by using modern technology. He was wrong and has now felt the full force of the law for his actions.
“The use of computer software and AI within online offending is an area we are noticing is growing, but my message to offenders who think creating indecent material in this way means they will not be caught out and relentlessly pursued is to think again.
“Hugh Nelson was offending on the ‘clean web’, not the dark web, as is often the misconception with online sexual offending. It is important that parents are aware of cases like these so they can educate themselves on emerging threats posed online and take appropriate action to protect and safeguard their children from harm. The internet should be a safe space for all, but sadly there are perverse individuals out there looking to exploit those who are vulnerable or encourage others into criminal behaviour.
“Protecting children is our biggest priority, and our proactive approach to tackling child protection crime has seen positive outcomes increase and overall crime decrease. We would encourage anyone suffering to come forward to us so we can take robust action.”
Jeanette Smith, specialist prosecutor for the CPS, said, “It is extremely disturbing that Hugh Nelson was able to take normal photographs of children and, using AI tools and a computer programme, transform them and create images of the most depraved nature to sell and share online.
“Technology is rapidly evolving and, unfortunately, so too is its risk to children. I hope this conviction sends a clear message to those who exploit this technology and inflict harm on children: you will be robustly pursued by law enforcement, prosecuted by the CPS and brought to justice.”
