Stockton Man Avoids Jail After Admitting Possession of Bestiality Videos and Extreme Pornographic Material

A Stockton man has avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting possession of bestiality videos and other extreme pornographic material following a police investigation into online offences.

Nathan Cooke, 58, appeared before Teesside Crown Court after investigators discovered dozens of illegal videos and images during a search carried out by Cleveland Police.

The court heard that officers attended Cooke’s home on Sydenham Road in Stockton on March 6, 2023, after receiving intelligence from the North West Regional Organised Crime Group. During the investigation, Cooke’s mobile phone was seized and later analysed by investigators.

Prosecutors told the court that police uncovered approximately 60 videos and 20 images categorised as extreme pornographic material, including content involving bestiality. The offences took place between 2019 and 2023.

The court also heard evidence relating to online conversations on the messaging platform Kik Messenger in 2022. Prosecutor Saba Shan said Cooke discussed sexual topics involving animals during exchanges with another user online.

In addition, prosecutors stated that Cooke had shared an image of a woman online without her knowledge.

Cooke later pleaded guilty to possession of extreme pornographic images and publishing an obscene article.

During mitigation, defence barrister Paul Abrahams told the court that Cooke had lost his previous employment at an educational establishment where he had worked with young adults. The court heard he later attempted delivery driving work but subsequently lost those contracts and had since been relying on savings.

The defence requested that the court consider suspending any custodial sentence and instead impose rehabilitation requirements.

Sentencing Cooke, Judge Stephen Ashurst said the material had been downloaded “for sexual gratification” but acknowledged that Cooke had no previous convictions and had not reoffended for several years.

Judge Ashurst told the defendant: “You have the public’s condemnation. You’ve lost your job and you’re finding it difficult gaining further work, but your prospects of rehabilitation are good.”

Cooke was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

In addition, the court imposed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which places restrictions on Cooke’s internet usage and allows offender managers to monitor his online activity.

The case highlights the continued focus by UK law enforcement agencies on investigating online offences involving illegal and extreme material. Cleveland Police and regional organised crime units regularly work together to identify and prosecute offences involving unlawful digital content and online communications.

Teesside Crown Court continues to hear a growing number of cases involving online criminal activity, reflecting wider national efforts to tackle internet-related offences and protect the public from harmful and illegal online content.