Child predator jailed after sexually exploiting girl and sharing indecent images
A Sunderland man who sexually exploited a child online, shared indecent images and attempted to sell material of his victim has been jailed for nine years.
The investigation into Stephen McLean, 25, began in October 2024 when intelligence indicated he was uploading indecent images of children to online platforms. Officers from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team attended his home at Cherrytree Square, seizing multiple electronic devices for forensic examination.
Specialist investigators uncovered almost 500 indecent images and videos, including material McLean had received from a child he believed to be just 12 years old. Further intelligence revealed he had been sexually communicating with the child online and had made threats towards her, including attempts to sell images to others.
McLean was arrested and later charged with 19 offences, including:
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- Inciting the sexual exploitation of a child
- Arranging or facilitating sexual activity with a child
- Attempting sexual communication with a child
- Possession and distribution of indecent images of a child
- Sexual communication with a child
- Breaching an Interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order
He pleaded guilty to all charges.
At court on Monday, McLean was sentenced to nine years in prison, with a further five years on extended licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and made subject to a 15‑year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Officers involved in the case said the sentence reflects the seriousness of McLean’s offending and praised the victim-survivor for their courage in supporting the investigation.