Hugh Nelson, a 27-year-old man from Bolton, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for using AI to create child abuse images using real children’s photos. This marks the first prosecution of its kind in the UK. Nelson was found guilty of 16 counts of child sexual abuse in August after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
According to GMP, Nelson used an AI-enabled computer program called Daz 3D to transform innocent images of children into images of sexual abuse. Additionally, he was convicted of encouraging other offenders to commit rape.
Nelson sold these images online, making around £5,000 over 18 months. The court also heard that he engaged in discussions about child sexual abuse with other offenders in internet chatrooms.
The sentencing judge, Martin Walsh, emphasized the harm caused by Nelson’s actions, stating, “There seems to be no limit to the depth of depravity expressed in the images you create and prepare to show to others.”
Nelson’s defense lawyer described him as living a solitary life in his parents’ home, seeking validation and a sense of belonging through his criminal activities.
Special United States Attorney Janet Smith expressed concerns about the use of technology for child sexual abuse and highlighted the need for law enforcement to stay vigilant. She stated, “This conviction will ensure that those who misuse this technology to harm children are brought to justice.”
The case of Hugh Nelson has raised new challenges for police enforcement, as AI-generated images of sexual abuse become more prevalent. DCI Jen Tattersall from GMP’s Sex Offender Management Unit described it as a test of existing laws around digitally altered indecent images.
While technology presents opportunities for law enforcement, Tattersall acknowledged the growing threat posed by sophisticated AI technology in facilitating online crimes. She emphasized the importance of prosecuting criminals who exploit technology for abusive purposes.
Source: www.theguardian.com
