October 28th 2024.
Hugh Nelson, a 27-year-old man from Bolton, Greater Manchester, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for using artificial intelligence (AI) to create and distribute images of child abuse. Nelson, who holds a Masters degree in graphics, would take requests from people online for these "bespoke" images, which depicted children being sexually and physically harmed. Some of these images used premade "characters" while others were created from scratch, with a higher price tag.
Nelson's actions were driven by a desperate need for validation, as he led a socially isolated life in his parents' home without a job. He used computer programs to feed his own and others' sick fantasies, frequently discussing child sexual abuse with other chatroom users. In fact, on three separate occasions, he even encouraged the rape of children under the age of 13.
During his police interrogation, Nelson confessed to using a program to create these images for about two years. He admitted that they had become increasingly depraved as time went on, and that the constant exposure to such disturbing content had warped his mind. He explained that he would use normal photos as a template and could create anything from innocent poses to hardcore rape images. He also mentioned that the images he sent were not considered restricted because they were not sexual in nature, but rather used as references to create 3D models.
According to the prosecution, the use of AI is rapidly improving, making the imagery more realistic than ever before. While it used to be a laborious process to edit images using tools like Photoshop, it is now possible to create entirely new images just by typing in a prompt. This case came to light through Operation Influence, an investigation into the use of AI in relation to child sexual exploitation.
Nelson was caught when an undercover officer gained access to a paedophile chatroom and discovered him as the administrator. During their conversations, Nelson admitted to taking commissions and even sent the officer computer-generated images of child sexual abuse. He boasted about having over 60 characters at his disposal, ranging from six months to middle-aged, and charged £80 to create a new character. He also mentioned that he had created images depicting beatings, smotherings, hangings, drownings, beheadings, and even bestiality.
Despite having no previous convictions, Nelson was found to pose the highest category of risk to the public, according to the Probation Service. He was arrested and charged with various sexual offenses, including intentionally encouraging or assisting the rape of a child under 13, making and distributing indecent images of children, and attempting to incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
During his sentencing, Judge Martin Walsh condemned Nelson's actions, stating that there seemed to be no limit to the depth of depravity exhibited in the images he created and distributed. Nelson was also ordered to serve six years on licence after his release from prison and will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Outside of court, Jeanette Smith, a specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, expressed hope that this conviction would send a strong message to those who exploit technology to harm children. She emphasized that they would be pursued by law enforcement, prosecuted by the CPS, and brought to justice. Derek Ray-Hill, the interim chief executive at the Internet Watch Foundation, also spoke out against the use of AI to create images of child abuse, calling it a nightmare that only makes the internet a more dangerous place for everyone. He stressed that children deserve safety, and the abuse of this technology must be stopped.
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