Latest news with #GordonHamilton
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Newcastle paedophile with 'vile' baby abuse picture jailed
A paedophile caught with almost 2,000 child sex abuse images, including a "vile" photo of a newborn baby being abused, has been jailed for more than two Hamilton, 70, had previously been given a suspended sentence for having such pictures and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), Newcastle Crown Court a routine visit, officers found he had collected more images and was using a private web-browsing app that did not keep its search history which was a breach of his of Newcastle, who initially claimed the images were "planted by the police", admitted breaching the order and three counts of making indecent images of children. He was jailed for a year, suspended for two years, in July 2022 and made subject to a 10-year long sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), prosecutor Jade Bucklow of that order required him to tell police about any internet-enabled devices he had and to keep his search history, the court 26 October 2023, police visited his home for a review and found he had a mobile phone with the private browsing app installed, Ms Bucklow phone, his computer and hard drive were taken away for analysis with officers finding hundreds of indecent images of children, the court heard. 'Deep-seated interest' There were 74 in the most serious category, including one of a visibly distressed baby believed to be less than a month old being abused, the court heard, with 47 in the next category and 1,786 at the least serious ages of the children ranged from the baby up to 12 years old, Ms Bucklow mitigation, the court heard Hamilton had served in the Army for 12 years, including in Northern Ireland during the 1970s, and claimed he committed the offences "out of boredom" after becoming Thomas Moran said Hamilton had carried on downloading indecent images of children even after being given a chance with a suspended sentence judge said the image of the baby was "particularly vile" and Hamilton had told probation officers the pictures had been "planted by the police"."That was an absurd and desperate claim so you could hide from the true position which is that you are someone with a deep-seated sexual interest in children," Recorder Moran told full year of the suspended sentence was activated and Hamilton was given a further 14 months for the new offences, making a total of two years and two months. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
North Wales Live
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Mechanics warn over serious danger, and cost, of DIY car repairs
As the cost-of-living increases, mechanics are warning of the danger of drivers attempting to fix problems themselves, only to end up making things worse. Nearly two-thirds of mechanics report seeing an increase in cars arriving at their workshops with badly done DIY repairs that need professional fixing. A driver survey found that more than one in five drivers admitted to performing DIY repairs or maintenance on their vehicles in the past year specifically to save money. FixMyCar is urging drivers to be realistic about their abilities and consider the consequences. The company said simple tasks like checking tyre pressure, replacing bulbs and topping up fluids are suitable for home maintenance. But they warn car owners that DIY jobs such as brake repairs, engine diagnostics and extensive bodywork should be left to qualified professionals, as bodged attempts can compromise vehicle safety and lead to higher costs. Gordon Hamilton from Fife Autocentres, said: "What we're seeing is a bodgeflation effect. There's been a real increase in people bringing in cars after their DIY fixes have gone wrong. People watching YouTube videos, doing half-jobs with cheap parts, skipping regular servicing and topping up with the wrong oil are then left wondering why everything's gone pear-shaped. "Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why people are attempting fixes at home – life is getting more expensive and it's hard for many people to make ends meet right now. But I care about my customers and I want to protect them. The safety aspect, especially with DIY brake work, can be very dangerous. I urge them to pay for proper repairs now – it's safer and cheaper than fixing bodge jobs later." Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar said: 'This research confirms what we've been hearing from our mechanics nationwide – bodgeflation is real. Simple maintenance like checking fluids or changing wiper blades is great for DIY, but when people attempt complex repairs to save money, it often backfires. Getting professional help from trusted mechanics for these types of jobs is always more economical, and far safer, in the long run.'
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Mechanics warn over serious danger, and cost, of DIY car repairs
Mechanics warn over serious danger, and cost, of DIY car repairs Drivers are putting themselves and others at risk in a bid to save money Fixing a car at home could end up more expensive As the cost-of-living increases, mechanics are warning of the danger of drivers attempting to fix problems themselves, only to end up making things worse. Nearly two-thirds of mechanics report seeing an increase in cars arriving at their workshops with badly done DIY repairs that need professional fixing. A driver survey found that more than one in five drivers admitted to performing DIY repairs or maintenance on their vehicles in the past year specifically to save money. FixMyCar is urging drivers to be realistic about their abilities and consider the consequences. The company said simple tasks like checking tyre pressure, replacing bulbs and topping up fluids are suitable for home maintenance. Article continues below But they warn car owners that DIY jobs such as brake repairs, engine diagnostics and extensive bodywork should be left to qualified professionals, as bodged attempts can compromise vehicle safety and lead to higher costs. Gordon Hamilton from Fife Autocentres, said: "What we're seeing is a bodgeflation effect. There's been a real increase in people bringing in cars after their DIY fixes have gone wrong. People watching YouTube videos, doing half-jobs with cheap parts, skipping regular servicing and topping up with the wrong oil are then left wondering why everything's gone pear-shaped. Article continues below "Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why people are attempting fixes at home – life is getting more expensive and it's hard for many people to make ends meet right now. But I care about my customers and I want to protect them. The safety aspect, especially with DIY brake work, can be very dangerous. I urge them to pay for proper repairs now – it's safer and cheaper than fixing bodge jobs later." Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar said: 'This research confirms what we've been hearing from our mechanics nationwide – bodgeflation is real. Simple maintenance like checking fluids or changing wiper blades is great for DIY, but when people attempt complex repairs to save money, it often backfires. Getting professional help from trusted mechanics for these types of jobs is always more economical, and far safer, in the long run.'
