Student handed 18-year prison term for creating and distributing AI child abuse images

An 18-year prison sentence has been imposed on a student who utilized artificial intelligence technology “in the worst possible way” to transform actual children’s photographs into “depraved” indecent images. Hugh Nelson, aged 27 and residing in Bolton, employed a computer program to produce these images. He then distributed and sold them online to other paedophiles over an 18-month span, accumulating £5,000. Bolton Crown Court was informed that Nelson, a graphic design student who admitted guilt to 16 child sexual abuse offences, additionally promoted the rape of children within online chatrooms. Detective Chief Inspector Jen Tattersall of Greater Manchester Police characterized Nelson as “an extremely dangerous man who thought he could get away with what he was doing by using modern technology”. Warning: This report includes distressing information regarding Nelson’s crimes. Nelson admitted guilt to multiple charges of creating, possessing, and disseminating indecent images of children, alongside three charges of inciting the rape of a child under 13 years old. Furthermore, he confessed to one charge of attempting to induce a child under 16 into sexual activity and another of publishing an obscene article. Nelson, whose address is Briggsfold Road, received an 18-year prison sentence, which incorporates six years on licence, and was added to the sex offenders register. His parents were present in the public gallery of the court as he participated via video link from HMP Forest Bank. His mother was observed weeping into the crook of her arm during her son’s sentencing. Judge Martin Walsh, in delivering the sentence, stated: “There appears to have been no limit to the depth of depravity exhibited in the images that you were prepared to create and to distribute to others.” He added, “The nature and content of the communications which you entered into is utterly chilling.” Jeanette Smith, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, issued a caution, stating that individuals considering using AI “in the worst possible way” ought to be “aware that the law applies equally to real indecent photographs and AI or computer-generated images of children”. Nelson utilized a computer program to generate these images, which he subsequently sold or exchanged within an encrypted chatroom designated for paedophiles. The court was informed that he accepted requests from individuals desiring explicit images depicting children being sexually and physically harmed. His criminal activities came to light when he initiated communication with an undercover police officer in May of the previous year. Nelson informed the officer that he accepted commissions for the images from clients, with some requests originating from France, Italy, and the United States. Prosecutor David Toal stated: “The defendant said he had over 60 characters in total, ranging from six months to middle-aged, and he charged £80 to create a new character.” Nelson was apprehended at his residence in Egerton in June 2023, and his electronic devices were confiscated and inspected. He informed officers that his criminal behavior “had got out of control” following his interactions with other paedophiles online. His defense lawyer, Bob Elias, described him as a “lonely, socially isolated” man who had “plunged down the rabbit hole to this sort of fantasy life and became completely engrossed in it”. Derek Ray-Hill, from the Internet Watch Foundation, commented: “Technology is now enabling previously unthought of violations of innocent children.” He continued, “We are discovering more and more synthetic and AI images of child sexual abuse and they can be disturbingly life-like.“ He added, “That Nelson profited from making this material to order after clients sent him images to manipulate is on another horrifying level. ” He concluded, “I hope this drives home the message. This material, even synthetic versions of it, is criminal.” “If you make or possess it, you are breaking the law.” Further reporting was provided by PA Media. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.