He initially tried to blame his ex-partner but was now ‘ashamed and embarrassed’, a court heard
Connor Sallis admitted making indecent images of children(Image: Hull Live)
Police found a shocking video of a gagged and crying eight-year-old boy among stashes of indecent images of children that were on a man’s mobile phone. Connor Sallis at first tried to talk his way out of trouble by blaming his ex-partner but he was now “truly ashamed and embarrassed” about his behaviour, Hull Crown Court heard.
Sallis, 31, of Marshall Avenue, Bridlington, admitted four offences of making indecent images of children. He originally denied the matters and the case was listed for trial but he later changed his pleas.
Maya Hanson, prosecuting, said that police went to the then home of Sallis in Carisbrooke Avenue, east Hull, on January 12, 2021 on suspicion of another matter. They seized two mobile phones.
Sallis denied any knowledge of indecent images and having a sexual interest in children and named his ex-partner as having access to the phones. There were 210 indecent images of children.
They included 131 in the most serious Category A, 68 in Category B and 11 in Category C. There was a video of an eight-year-old boy crying and gagged while being sexually abused, the court heard.
Police found a mega downloads app and a file sharing service that ensured secure access. There was an illegal video in that folder. On another phone, one Category C image was accessible.
Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that Sallis looked at this sort of material after the breakdown of a relationship and taking drugs. “There has been no repeat of this behaviour whatsoever,” said Miss Scott.
He became homeless but he was now completely clean of drugs. He was on benefits but was doing some work. “He hasn’t in any way tried to hide from this offending,” said Miss Scott.
“He has made full and frank admissions. He is truly ashamed and embarrassed about his behaviour. That’s why he held out on his plea for so long.
“There are very few images of children compared with what the courts usually see.” There was one previous conviction for Sallis in 2016 for animal matters. He also had cautions.
Sallis was given a nine-month suspended prison sentence, 20 days’ rehabilitation and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. He must register as a sex offender for 10 years. A deprivation order was made for the mobile phones.
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