Man who used AI technology to create child sexual abuse images jailed

A man who used a computer programme and AI technology to alter photographs of real children to create sexual abuse images, and encouraged the rape of children via the internet, has been jailed.

Hugh Nelson, 27, has been sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment with an additional six years on extended licence at Bolton Crown Court today after previously pleading guilty to a total of 16 charges relating to child sexual abuse offences.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised five charges against Nelson after he was first arrested in June 2023 by Greater Manchester Police, and a number of his digital devices were seized and examined.

The police investigation found that Nelson, of Egerton, Bolton, frequented encrypted internet chatrooms where he would exchange and sell computer-generated images and discuss child sexual abuse with others.

Through these online chatrooms Nelson accepted requests from individuals who wanted him to create explicit images depicting children being harmed both sexually and physically, which he either sold in exchange for money or shared to others for free. Some of these computer-generated images requested used images of real children. 

Over an 18-month period, Nelson admits he made around £5,000 from selling these images.

Following further examination of his devices, the CPS charged Nelson with 11 additional offences on 27 February 2024.

Evidence from these searches found that on three separate occasions, to three separate individuals, Nelson exchanged messages on chatrooms which were intended to encourage the rape of children under 13.

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. 

“Through his online discussions with other like-minded individuals, Nelson also exchanged messages with the intention of encouraging adults to inflict horrifying sexual abuse on young children, all for his own sexual gratification.

“Anyone thinking of using this technology in the worst possible way and creating child sexual abuse material should be aware that the law applies equally to real indecent photographs and AI or computer-generated images of children.

“The misuse of emerging technology to create this material is a serious crime which can have a real impact on victims. Real children are being victimised through the creation of this content.

“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.”

The CPS has established a dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit where some of our particularly complex, sensitive, or detailed child sexual abuse cases are managed by specially trained prosecutors, working closely with the police to build the strongest possible cases to give victims the justice they deserve.

DCI Jen Tattersall, Head of Greater Manchester Police’s 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 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.”

Derek Ray-Hill, Interim CEO at the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), said: “These are appalling crimes, and the sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of what has been done to Nelson’s victims.

“Technology is now enabling previously unthought of violations of innocent children. We are discovering more and more synthetic and AI images of child sexual abuse, and they can be disturbingly life-like. 

“That Nelson profited from making this material to order after clients sent him images to manipulate is on another horrifying level. 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.

“Not only that, these crimes perpetuate and prolong the suffering of victims whose likenesses are being abused this way. Children deserve safety, and the abuse of this technology is a nightmare which only risks making the internet a worse and more dangerous place for everyone.”