Ex-football coach accused of child sex abuse dies in UK car crash on day trial due to start
A former football coach has died in a car crash on the day his trial was due to begin in the UK over allegations he sexually abused boys aged under 16.
Michael Carson, 75, and known as ‘Kit’, was set to appear in court in Peterborough on Monday to face 12 counts of indecent assault and one of inciting a child to sexual activity, between the period 1978 to 2009.
He was arrested in 2017, but denied the allegations against him.
However, he died when his Mazda left the road and hit a tree in a single-vehicle crash on Monday morning, just 15 minutes before the trial was due to begin in court at 10:00 GMT.
His wife, Pauline Carson, formally identified his body, and the court was informed of his death on Tuesday. The judge then declared that the case be closed.
The crash took place at Bottisham, near Cambridge, about 40 miles from the court building, the Guardian reported.
Police are considering the possibility that Carson was so far from court as he was confused over the start date of his trial, the newspaper added.
They should consider the probability that Carson had no intention of going to the courthouse and suicided himself. That would imply a guilty verdict in the trial was likely. His victims, unfortunately, do not get their day in court, nor do they get to see their predator sentenced. However, they can rest assured 'Kit' Carson will stand before a higher court for his sins.
Carson had worked as a coach at English clubs Norwich, Peterborough and Cambridge. He was accused of abusing 11 boys in total.
Reformed child sex abuse image collector denied parole for second time
Deena Coster
Donald Capon's lack of available accommodation in the community is stalling his release from prison on parole. A reformed offender who once compared his child sex abuse image addiction to stamp collecting has been denied parole for a second time.
In July 2016, Donald Mathew Capon was jailed for four-and-a-half years after being found in possession of 382,025 images, 17,127 videos and 1,690 compressed files of children who were either partially dressed, naked or engaged in sex acts.
The former teacher, from New Plymouth, was apprehended after a tip off from authorities in the United States about Capon's online activities, namely sharing explicit images of children.
When interviewed by New Zealand Customs Service officials, Capon said he collected child sex abuse images and had been addicted to porn since 2002.
In December, Capon, now 53, appeared before the Parole Board for the second time. His first bid for release in January 2018 was rejected.
The report, completed after a hearing at Upper Hutt's Rimutaka Prison, stated that Capon had completed a child sex offender programme. "He is reported as having found the programme difficult but happy with the progress that he made."
A psychological report completed on Capon was also positive and advised the board the inmate had addressed his sexual offending, had developed a safety plan and was seen as low-risk of repeat behaviour.
Another development revealed in the parole report was a change in how Capon viewed his offending.
"While he was offending he considered that the victims were merely actors. He realises that he was lying to himself and they were not actors. Lying to himself, he thought that merely watching videos was in no way as serious as those who committed the crimes. Seeing himself as merely a voyeur was a lie."
While classified as a minimum security risk, it had not been a completely trouble-free time for Capon behind bars. The parole report outlined how he had chalked up a misconduct after he took chicken from the kitchen, which cost him his job there.
"His decision to remove food was a lapse in judgement but he described being unhappy working in the kitchen. He knew that he would lose his job as a result," the report said.
The major sticking point regarding Capon's release on parole is where he will live when he gets out of prison. While an accommodation option had been floated for Capon in the community, at an undisclosed address, a bed had yet to be confirmed.
Under those circumstances, Capon was still deemed an undue risk so his parole was denied. He will be considered for release again in March.
Celtic-daft MSP in row after calling child abuse inquiry ‘bigoted’
The charity - set up by former footballers who were victims of historic sexual abuse - said the comment was an 'insult to the families of survivors'
By Katy Pagan and Chris Musson, Scottish Political Editor, Scottish Sun
THE SNP (Scottish National Party) cried foul today after one of their politicians was blasted by a charity for “insulting” families of child abuse survivors.
Nats MSP James Dornan became embroiled in a furious Twitter row after responding to a user who accused the Scottish Government of “inaction” over child sexual abuse in sport.
Referencing the Celtic Boys Club scandal (2nd story on link), the man told him: "Your government is sympathetic to paedophiles in this country. As proven by your inaction to hold a review into child sexual abuse in sport and churches. "Cynics would assume it's a cover up for your beloved Celtic."
But Hoops fan Mr Dornan, the MSP for Glasgow's Cathcart, shot back saying: "Not cynics mate, bigots."
However, the MSP's comment was blasted by a charity backing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The Offside Trust said Mr Dornan's comment was an "insult to the families of survivors".
The group - set up by ex-footballer Steve Walters and former professional golfer Chris Unsworth, who were victims of historic cruelty - said elected officials "must do better" after Mr Dornan's bigot comment.
They flagged up Mr Dornan's Twitter comment and said: "Whatever your politics, religion or football team, the safeguarding of children must come first. Calling those who ask for a review into child abuse at Celtic 'bigots' is an insult to the families of survivors. Elected officials must do better."
The Offside Trust (www.offsidetrust.com)
@OffsideTrust
Whatever your politics, religion or football team, the safeguarding of children must come first. Calling those who ask for a review into child abuse at #Celtic "bigots" is an insult to the families of survivors. Elected officials must do better.
James Dornan SNP✔
@glasgowcathcart
Replying to @Eddie1972 and 3 others
Not cynics mate, bigots.
But a senior SNP source claimed Mr Dornan's comment had been taken out of context.
The insider said: "James was not branding people who had concerns about lack of action on child sexual abuse bigots.
"He was specifically responding to the bizarre idea that the Scottish Government are 'sympathetic to paedophiles' and operating a 'cover up' for Celtic."
Yes! It's not such a bizarre idea or the government would have been investigating this issue long ago. The senior SNP's comment does not mitigate Mr Dornan's stupid remark in the least.
The Offside Trust statement has racked up more than 1,000 likes since it was posted on Tuesday afternoon. And social media users have backed their calls for protecting children to come first.
One, Paul Kelly, said: "Bigotry doesn't come into it when safeguarding of children is mentioned. "Our kids come first, ALWAYS. Doesn't matter if u support Celtic, Rangers, Man U, city...anyone. Leave the hatred out."
Gordon Cunningham added: "Breaks my heart that his first reaction is to protect the good name of Celtic."
Meanwhile, Peter Cordwell wrote: "How can anyone make the case AGAINST a review?"
Speaking today, Mr Dornan said: “Historic child sexual abuse is a very serious issue and victims deserve justice. The Scottish Government established the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in 2015, which is undertaking important work to investigate the abuse of children in care.
“My comments were clearly directed solely at a bizarre and deeply offensive conspiracy theory. I have the utmost respect for those campaigning for victims, and I hope all those seeking justice are able to access it.”
Right!
3 years for New Brunswick man guilty of 'reprehensible' assault on baby
WARNING: This story contains graphic material that some readers may find disturbing
No Apparent child sex abuse in this story, but the baby suffered extraordinary traumas at the hands of an immature, drug user. His sentence is typically Canadian minimum possible, which means the child will still be pre-school when he gets out. That's not fair to the child. But that Canada's justice system.
Julia Wright · CBC News
St John, NB: - A year after Carson Bennett's arrest, the two-year old girl he suffocated with water, hit and stuffed in a duffel bag still cries out in her sleep, Saint John provincial court heard on Monday.
Bennett, 20, also known as Madison Bennett, was sentenced Monday to three years in jail and 36 months of supervised probation after admitting he physically abused the toddler — the child of his ex-girlfriend — on at least five separate occasions.
"There were bruises that were fresh, there were bruises that were old, there were bruises all over that child's body," Judge Andrew Palmer said as the child's mother shook with sobs in the public gallery.
Bennett was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault after admitting to police on Nov. 12 that he was responsible for the injuries.
On Dec. 4, 2018, he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the aggravated assault charge, and the attempted murder charge was withdrawn.
There is a publication ban on any evidence that would identify the victim.
'Fought over everything'
At a previous court appearance, the court heard Bennett and the child's mother had a rocky relationship and on many occasions "argued loudly, threw objects and swore at each other."
"We fought over everything," Bennett stated in a pre-sentence report dated Dec. 28, 2018.
In the same report, Bennett described abusing drugs, including marijuana, Percocet, and cocaine, starting at the age of 10. He also experimented with hallucinogenic drugs, and "bath salts" which Bennett stated he "administered into his eyes."
Toddler had black eye
On Nov. 8, 2017, neighbours complained to police about loud noises coming from the apartment. Police found the child with a black eye and bruising on her cheeks, forehead and eyes.
The child's mother said the injuries were caused by falling off a high chair and in the bathtub.
Was this the mother protecting the boyfriend rather than the baby?
According to Bennett's statement to police, the child was conceived during a sexual assault — and as he abused the child, he thought he was suffocating the alleged rapist.
He told police he was thinking about the fact that the child was a "rape baby" and experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations when he held his hand over her for "three or four minutes" until her face was purple and her legs were kicking.
He told police he was thinking, "You wanna fight, I'll get you even worse."
Bennett resuscitated the child using CPR after she lost consciousness.
When you can't breathe and you are fighting for your life, you only stop kicking when you have given up and accepted that you are going to die. This is a trauma that affects you the rest of your life. And this little girl got to endure it more than once.
On another occasion, the baby fell face first in the bathtub while her mother was at work. Bennett, who was watching the child at the time, grabbed the child and held her down as she tried to get back up, pouring water over her face" four or five times" so she couldn't breathe.
The child still "refuses to take a bath in the regular bathtub, and will cry whether she is put in [it]," the toddler's grandparents wrote in a victim impact statement, which was quoted in court.
Bennett told police that he "did not know why he did this" and "couldn't take her crying and screaming 24/7."
Disruptive behaviour
Bennett sat in the prisoner's dock Monday wearing grey prisoner's sweats with close-cropped brown hair and a single silver earring. His time in rehab and jail have been marked by disruptive behaviour, according to the pre-sentence report.
Bennett has "accomplished nothing" while incarcerated, Palmer said. "For rehabilitation to occur there has to be a ground change in your attitude. … You had an opportunity to further your education and all you did was cause a disruption to others who were trying to do the same thing."
He sentenced Bennett to three years, but was credited with 18 months for time already served.
'Reprehensible' actions
In delivering the sentence, the judge called Bennett's actions "reprehensible." "I don't understand what was going on in that household [but] Mr. Bennett was in a situation he was unprepared for, not much more than a child himself."
As I have suggested before, the use of marijuana by children results in a complete cessation of growth in terms of maturity. I doubt that Bennett is much more than at a level of maturity of a 10 year old. Like Michael Jackson, you just never grow up.
"It was a responsibility he was extremely ill-prepared to accept … [and] that combined with substance abuse almost spelled disaster for that child," Palmer said, adding the one positive thing is that the child is being well cared for by her grandparents.
"Fortunately, there is a caring and nurturing home that she has been able to go to."
Under the conditions of his probation, Bennett must keep the peace, have no contact with the victim's family, abstain from drugs, participate in treatment and counselling, submit a DNA sample and not own weapons for 10 years.
"I love you Madison," shouted one of Bennett's family members from the gallery as Bennett was escorted out of the courtroom.
Sex assault rampant in South Korean speed skating
By Yonhap News Agency
South Korea's Shim Suk-hee, shown here winning gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics, said her coach sexually assaulted her. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, (UPI) -- An interest group for skaters said Thursday there are more victims of sexual assault in speed skating than publicly known so far.
Representatives of Solidarity for Young Skaters and 17 other civic groups related to sports and women's rights held a joint press conference in Seoul on Thursday, denouncing the culture of physical and sexual violence rampant in South Korean sports.
These groups organized the press event in light of assault allegations raised by Shim Suk-hee, two-time Olympic short track champion, against her former coach, Cho Jae-beom.
Yeo Jun-hyung, head of the Solidarity for Young Skaters, said he has received reports on a half-dozen suspected cases of sexual violence in skating, and two people have told the organization that they had been sexually assaulted.
According to Yeo, other suspected victims include an active athlete and a skater who was assaulted while she was still a minor.
Yeo, a former national short track coach, said his organization had planned to hold a press conference Monday so that alleged victims could identify perpetrators. But after the emergence of Shim's fresh allegations against Cho, those victims starting having second thoughts, Yeo said.
"For these athletes, the most important thing is to continue their competitive careers," said Yeo, a former national short track coach.
Yeo said the power structure in the Korean skating community makes it difficult for assault victims to seek justice.
"Victims and their parents tend to think that nothing will change even after they name names," Yeo said. "So they often suffer in silence. The top-down hierarchy across sports gives people at the top too much power and influence."
Also at the press conference, the participating organizations called on national sports leaders, including Korean Sports and Olympic Committee President Lee Kee-heung, to hold themselves accountable for the scandal and resign.
Disgraced UK councillor who asked '12-year-old girl' if she wanted 'naughty fun' avoids jail
By Rob Kennedy, Chronicle Live
Former Washington councillor Paul Middleton asked what he thought was a 12-year-old girl if she liked 'naughty fun'.
Middleton contacted the profile of "Maddie" on a chat room, not realising it was a decoy profile set up by police.
A court heard the 44-year-old dad quickly turned the conversation to filth, despite being told the girl was only 12.
When informed she was living at a care home, Middleton made inappropriate comments asking if she'd had sex with any of the boys there.
A judge rejected the former Washington South councillor's claims the messages were just "jokey banter" and said it was ridiculous to suggest it was "anything other than you seeking sexual gratification."
Judge Tim Gittins, at Newcastle Crown Court, told him: "You began a one-sided sexualised conversation which included clear references to you engaging in sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old.
"It transpired, in fact, you were not discussing matters with a 12-year-old but with a police officer doing an operation to catch paedophiles. You maintained it was jokey banter. I refuse to accept that. It's ridiculous for you to try to suggest or was done for anything other than you seeking sexual gratification.
"You are an intelligent man who is intelligent enough to know what you were doing was wholly wrong."
Police had set up the decoy profile on Lycos and Middleton made contact with it in August 2017. Having revealed his true age, he was told by Maddie she would be 13 on her next birthday.
Jonathan Devlin, prosecuting, said: "The conversation quickly turned to being sexually suggestive. He asked what kind of fun she liked and asked whether that was naughty fun."
After asking if she'd had sex and would like to, Middleton ended the chat, which all took place on one day, and although he went on to send a friend request, they're was no further communication.
When police arrested him in June last year, he said he vaguely remembered the conversation but maintained it was not done for sexual gratification.
Mr Devlin said: "He said he took a dim view of that sort of behaviour but had lots of problems at home and he described health problems of relatives. He continued to deny doing it for sexual gratification and denied having a sexual interest in children.
"He accepted it was an offence to communicate with a child in the way he had. He said he was horrified he had engaged in that kind of conversation."
Middleton, of Sandpiper Close, Ayton, Washington, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in communication with a child for the purposes of sexual gratification.
He was sentenced to four months suspended for 18 months with a three month curfew. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders register for seven years.
Alec Burns, defending, said Middleton had a break down just before the offences and was not working at the time. Mr Burns said: "It was during this time when he was off work at home on his own that he did this. It was a single day and it was him who broke the conversation off."
Mr Burns added: "He has been suspended from work and expects not to be able to go back. He had a position in public service and resigned immediately after his arrest.
"He is more than embarrassed about this. He has lost his family because of this."
That he broke off the conversation may be significant, or it might not. But that he never attempted to reestablish contact, if that is really the case, is a good sign. But there are no valid excuses for child sex abuse, and talking sexually to a 12 y/o is child sex abuse regardless of whether she is experienced in these matters.
Former Alberta MLA Don MacIntyre told his child victim God approved the sexual abuse
Wife stands by MacIntyre but UCP condemns former MLA
as 'disgusting' individual
Meghan Grant · CBC News 
Former MLA Don MacIntyre has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual interference with a person under the age of 16. (David Dodge/Green Energy Futures)
When Don MacIntyre was molesting his child victim, he justified it by telling her that God had approved the abuse, according to an agreed statement of facts read aloud at the former United Conservative Party MLA's guilty plea on Friday.
MacIntyre, the former MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual interference. A charge of sexual assault has been withdrawn.
After the 63-year-old was escorted off to prison by sheriffs, his victim spoke outside the Red Deer courthouse, telling reporters she is "very happy" with the outcome.
"I don't have to be afraid anymore," said the young woman. "I would have liked more [jail time] of course, but that's just because of how long I felt sad."
The victim said that after suffering in silence for so long, she felt relieved to finally be able to tell her story. "He has been so public for so long that I think it is important for what I have to say to be public as well."
Outside the Red Deer courthouse, Don MacIntyre's victim said she was "very happy with the outcome" of the guilty plea and three-year sentence he received. (Meghan Grant/CBC)
'God was OK with the touching'
An agreed statement of facts detailing the crime was read aloud by prosecutor Julie Snowdon.
The offence dates are between 2010 and 2011 and involve a female child under the age of 14. A publication ban protects any information that could identify MacIntyre's victim.
MacIntyre sexually touched his victim five to 10 times over a one-year period beginning in 2010.
"He told her that God said that God was OK with the touching," reads the agreed statement of facts.
He told the child he had prayed to God about it.
Victim speaks
In 2015, the girl told her mother about the abuse. When confronted, MacIntyre immediately confessed but said the sexual abuse was "part of Satan's plan to destroy the child's faith."
He then wrote apology letters to his victim.
According to the court document, the girl became suicidal.
MacIntyre resigned his seat last February after charges were laid in connection with offences against a child.
On Friday, standing with family members on each side of her, the victim paused at times through her impact statement to gather herself.
"I did not understand that what had happened to me was wrong," she said.
'His face was everywhere'
Tormented by confusion, pain and "guilt so heavy it hurt my chest," the girl said her memories and the effects of the abuse were "destroying" her childhood.
"I began to think that it was my fault," she said. "It hurt so much."
Ahead of the 2015 provincial election, MacIntyre's campaign signs appeared all over his riding. "Everyone had his signs up," she said. "His face was everywhere."
Then he won the election. That was the year the girl finally told her mother about the abuse.
'One dark period'
Sexual interference involves touching someone under the age of 16 years of age for a sexual purpose.
Snowdon had proposed a three- to 3½-year prison term while defence lawyers Ian McKay and Heather Ferg argued for a two-year sentence.
McKay called his client "a very decent man" who had "one dark period."
"This is a man that in so many ways has been punished already," said McKay, arguing MacIntyre has already "lost pretty much everything" and has been subjected to intense, national media coverage.
'Odious crime,' says UCP
MacIntyre's wife has stood by him, McKay noted. She even provided a character reference letter of support.
When given the chance to speak, MacIntyre apologized to his victim and wished her a "life that is whole and happy and healthy."
He said that when his sentence is over and he returns home, "the powerful love my wife Maggie and I share shall see us through."
The United Conservative Party Caucus released a statement immediately after MacIntyre's plea. "We hope this disgusting individual faces the full extent of the law in sentencing for his odious crime," reads the statement.
"Our thoughts remain with the victim and all those affected at this time."
Convicted B.C. child sex abuser given
14-month jail sentence
Man who committed sexual interference of a child
now identifies as a woman
The sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl has resulted in a 14 month jail sentence for her assailant.
Jeremy Melvin Carlson, also known as Rhiley Melvin Carlson, was handed the jail sentence Friday, more than a year after she pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual interference against a young person.
She was also sentenced to two years of probation.
The court heard that Carlson, now 28, touched the girl for a sexual purpose on nine separate occasions between December 2015 and September 2016 before the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother and ultimately the RCMP.
During the sentencing decision Friday, the court heard that Carlson reported using marijuana heavily at the time she committed the offences and that she has struggled with gender identity, depression and drug abuse during her life.
Carlson committed the offence as a man, the court heard, but now identifies as a woman.
She pleaded guilty to sexual interference on Nov. 24, 2017, and has shown “remorse and empathy” to the victim since her arrest and has sought counselling on her own.
“She knew what she did was wrong,” said Judge Monica McParland.
However, aggravating factors in sentencing included Carlson’s attempt to blame the victim for the offence and the fact the abuse took place over the period of 10 months.
The offences were not a momentary “lapse in judgment,” said McParland.
The court heard that the impact of the abuse on the victim has “already been significant,” with the girl suffering from nightmares and increased anxiety.
She “will likely be impacted for many years,” said McParland.
Certainly a lot longer than her assailant, with a pathetic sentence like that!
The judge said the sentencing principles of denunciation, deterrence and separation from society “take precedence” over other sentencing principles in a case of a child being the victim of sexual abuse.
“A strong denunciatory sentence is called for,” she said, although adding there still needs to be room for rehabilitation.
Crown sought a 15 to 20 month jail sentence, followed by two years of probation. Defence asked for 90 days in custody, to be served intermittently, followed by three years of probation.
Canadian sentences are so minimalist! In the USA, these would be years rather than months. I understand that there was no penetration involved, but there was, nonetheless, significant trauma.
McParland ruled the appropriate sentence was 14 months in custody, followed by 24 months of probation.
Carlson must take psychiatric treatment as part of her probation and cannot be alone with a child under 16. She is barred from being in any park, swimming pool, community centre, school or daycare where a child under 16 could be, unless in the presence of an approved adult. She is also not allowed contact with the victim or her mother.
In addition, Carlson must submit a sample of her DNA, be part of the sex offender registry for 20 years and is subject to a 10 year weapons prohibition.
I believe all trans people need psychiatric treatment, although, I fear the most do not get it, and most of those who do don't get the help they really need.
My question is, is Jeremy going to a men's prison or a women's prison?
Head of Hazelwood boys' home in UK
accused of abusing four children
By Rod Malcolm, Nottinghamshire Live
Forest Grove in Forest Fields pictured in 1977; Hazelwood children's home was at the far end of the road.
(Image: Reg Baker / Picture the Past)
A boys' home head abused four children without interference from other staff, a jury heard.
Michael Robinson, now 65, carried out assaults in his private flat at the Hazelwood home on Mount Hooton Street in Forest Fields, it was alleged at Nottingham Crown Court.
Some incidents took place after he told a boy that "a soap massage would be good for his body," said Rebecca Herbert, prosecuting.
When the victim appeared uncomfortable, he was told that he "would be put in another home where it would happen anyway. The boy didn't tell anyone about it, he was too afraid," she told the jury.
Four boys have made allegations against Robinson, who denies 26 charges of indecency dating from the 1980s.
Miss Herbert said the boys were allowed into Robinson's apartment where they could play music and watch TV. One was permitted to use a bath while Robinson watched him. "No-one seems to have been bothered about the situation at all. No-one seems to have particularly interfered with it.
"Michael Robinson was the boss of Hazelwood. What Michael Robinson said at Hazelwood went at Hazelwood," said Miss Herbert.
One boy said that he became one of Robinson's "favourites" soon after arriving at the home. Robinson, who was officer-in-charge, bought him clothes and took him to a pub.
Evidence was supported by a handwritten logbook which was kept at the home and was found by police officers. "There are all sorts of entries going back decades into what was happening," said Miss Herbert.
The four children all had similar hair colours which suggested they were "the type of young boy he liked."
On occasions, Robinson pretended to be angry and spanked one of the boys, who began to cry. When this happened, Robinson appeared to get upset and "then started to cuddle him," said Miss Herbert.
Other abuse took place when Robinson was alleged to have given whisky - possibly Southern Comfort - to a boy who kept quiet about the incidents for 30 years.
Robinson is also accused of persuading a boy to undress and then taking photographs using a Polaroid camera, which produced pictures within seconds.
Miss Herbert said child sex victims often remain silent for years and told the jury: "Sometimes people never tell."
She referred to another of the boy residents, who appeared to be a favourite of Robinson. He was remembered by many other boys but has died.
Another boy told police officers that Robinson made him stand blindfold while he was being touched. Miss Herbert said the boy often dodged school and Robinson had "one to one chats" with him.
"He talked a lot about trust and started playing a game, a game about trust. Mr Robinson would blindfold the boy and touch him. The touching was perfectly innocent, arms back, legs.
"He was supposed to say if he wanted the game to stop. It was all about trust. The defendant was progressively testing the water. The touching became progressively more intimate. The defendant was waiting to see how far he could push it," added Miss Herbert.
The trial continues on Monday and is expected to last for a fortnight.
Microsoft Bing suggests child porn search material to paedophiles: TechCrunch report
The study came after another TechCrunch report last month claimed that WhatsApp was being used to distribute child porn content without much of a hurdle.
Paedophiles searching for child pornography on Microsoft Bing get keyword suggestions that lead to more criminal content on the web, according to a latest TechCrunch investigation, coming on the heel of an earlier one that found similar issues with Facebook-owned WhatsApp.
Bing's 'Similar Images' feature can suggest additional illegal child abuse imagery to those who search for related content, said the study -- carried out by Israeli online safety start-up AntiToxin on behalf of TechCrunch -- on Thursday.
The study came after another TechCrunch report last month claimed that Facebook-owned WhatsApp was being used by traders of child pornography to distribute disturbing content without much of a hurdle.
The concerns raised in the latest study was shared with Microsoft following which, the software giant said it assigned an engineering team that fixed the issues.
"Clearly these results were unacceptable under our standards and policies and we appreciate TechCrunch making us aware.
"We acted immediately to remove them, but we also want to prevent any other similar violations in the future. We're focused on learning from this so we can make any other improvements needed," Jordi Ribas, Microsoft's Chief Vice President of Bing and AI Products, was quoted as saying.
Microsoft said it was working on blocking any similar queries as well problematic related search suggestions and similar images.
However, AntiToxin -- that is closely supervised by legal counsel -- found that while some search terms from its report are now banned or cleaned up, others still surface illegal content.
Microsoft also claimed that it was changing its Bing flagging options to make it easier for people to report "child sexual abuse."
Similar searches on Google did not produce as clearly illegal imagery or as much concerning content as did Bing, the research showed.
The latest study was commissioned after the investigation last month revealed that in the absence of adequate human moderators, child pornographic material was slipping by the automated systems of WhatsApp that offers end-to-end encryption for its users.
AntiToxin also found that several people from India were part of groups that circulate child porn-related content.
WhatsApp last week said it blocked and removed over 1,30,000 (130,000) such accounts to clamp down on child pornography on its platform. "WhatsApp has a zero-tolerance policy around child sexual abuse. We deploy our most advanced technology, including artificial intelligence to scan profile photos and actively ban accounts suspected of sharing this vile content.
"We also respond to law enforcement requests in India and around the world. Sadly, because both app stores and communications services are being misused to spread abusive content, technology companies must work together to stop it," a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement.
Grandad accused of child sex abuse dies after setting himself on fire in street
By Alex GroveA grandad doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire in front of horrified neighbours after being accused of sexually assaulting children.
Ken Allanson, 73, died from his injuries in Hull Royal Infirmary after suffering burns to every part of his body on August 16, 2018.
The dad-of-three killed himself at his home in Newton Thorpe Close, Swanland, and left suicide notes to his ex-wife and daughters.
His death came after allegations he sexually abused children. Although the inquest heard police were aware of the rumours, no arrests were ever made.
Hull man used to work in fish houses
Mr Allanson, who was born in a bucket in the Boulevard area of west Hull in 1945, had two wives but both relationships ended in divorce.
During an inquest into his death at Hull Coroners Court on January 11, his adoptive daughter, Jayne Potter, revealed how her father left school at 14 before working in fish houses cleaning machinery.
Police attended Newton Thorpe Close after Mr Allanson set himself on fire
Ms Potter said: “The week before he died dad came to my house and appeared normal. He asked my daughter a lot more questions about her job and boyfriend and he seemed pretty normal.
“He visited my sister too that day but the following Thursday my dad died. I had not heard from him and he would usually text or call to say he was coming. I was about to text him when I got a phone call from his neighbour to say what had happened.”
Mr Allanson’s family arrived at hospital but due to the severity of his injuries, doctors concluded that there was no way he could survive.
He eventually died surrounded by his children at 8.34pm having set himself on fire five hours earlier.
Ms Potter said: “My dad’s sister told me that he had had something on his mind but we never got to the bottom of it. I am completely shocked by what happened and had no idea dad was going to do something like this. We were never close but he was still my dad and this is never how I thought things would end.”
During the inquest, one neighbour who lives opposite Mr Allanson described the moment he came face to face with the pensioner covered in flames.
The neighbour, who has multiple sclerosis, said: “Ken shouted across to me to ask whether I had a couple of minutes to go round the back of his house. I replied ‘no problem’ and went to get my crutch.
“From Ken’s side gate I saw Ken walking towards me with his arms raised up to the sky and he was completely on fire. He was at least seven to eight feet tall in a big human sized fire and he was shouting loudly and advancing towards me.
“I was so shocked I dropped my stick. He was advancing quickly towards me and I feared for my own safety. The sound of Ken burning is something I will never forget.”
Prior to his death, there were allegations made that Mr Allanson had sexually abused children. The accusations caused a rift in his family but no arrests were ever made.
Humberside Police Detective Constable Krista Leigh Wood said: “One of the males had previously reported this matter to a third party and it was partially investigated by police but the individual did not want to proceed with it.
The police cordon in Newton Thorpe Close
Senior coroner Paul Marks said there was “absolutely no doubt” in his mind that Mr Allanson’s intentions were to take his own life. He recorded a conclusion of suicide.
1,174 sex offenders living in Staffordshire - and here's some of those on the register
More than 1,100 sex offenders are now living in Staffordshire, shock new figures reveal.
A StokeonTrentLive investigation shows there are currently 1,174 men and women on the sex offenders' register in the county.
This is the equivalent of one sex offender for every 850 people aged 10 and over - three per cent higher than the average for England and Wales as whole, which is one per 878.
The number of sex offenders is 65 per cent higher than 2010/11 - the year Staffordshire Police started publishing figures - when there were 711 sex offenders.
The figures, released by the Ministry of Justice, shows that one sex offender in Staffordshire was charged with a serious offence, while three others were handed convictions.
Another five offenders were returned to prison for breaching their licence conditions and 63 were cautioned or convicted for breaching their notification requirements.
Sex offenders are required to notify the police of certain details, with further notification required if any of those details change.
There were 110 sexual harm prevention orders (SHPOs) and sexual offences prevention orders (SOPOs) imposed on offenders in the last year.
Stoke-on-Trent North MP Ruth Smeeth has praised people willing to come forward and report sexual offences.
She said: “This a huge number. It is incredibly important that people are willing to come forward when they are victims. It is important these crimes are reported and there is an onus on all of us to make sure the victims are protected and supported.
“We need to ensure the right education is in place and that everyone knows what is considered acceptable in a decent society. It’s good that more people are coming forward but they need to get the support.”
In the Cheshire Police area there were 2,057 registered sex offenders as of March 2018 with nearby Derbyshire housing 1,584.
Across England and Wales, there were 58,637 registered sex offenders being monitored by police at March 31, 2018.
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “As the number of sex offenders being monitored grows it’s important to understand how these arrangements will continue to reduce the risk of reoffending.
“With more offenders breaching their orders, it’s vital police are given all the tools they need to both effectively monitor child sex offenders in the community and combat the increasing threat posed by complex online abuse.”
Staffordshire Police declined to comment when approached.
Stafforshire, UK
Troll who claimed innocent parents were part of a Satanic child abuse ring is jailed
By Gus Carter, Mirror
An online troll who harassed innocent parents claiming they were part of a Satanic child abuse ring has been jailed for nine years.
As a result of Sabine McNeill's abuse, children were forced to carry tracking devices or stay away from their homes for fear of being attacked, a judge revealed.
McNeill, 74, harassed four mums - who cannot be named for legal reasons - claiming they were members of a cult who cooked babies and ate them.
She wept as she was branded a "malicious, evil and manipulative woman" in court.
She led a campaign to uncover claims of devil worship and child abuse at a primary school in Hampstead, northwest London. She made a series of baseless allegations against the innocent parents, sparking a police enquiry, Southwark Crown Court heard.
McNeill was convicted by a jury of four counts of harassment and six counts of breaching a restraining order.
Judge Sally Cahill, QC, told the weeping pensioner: "This case has to be one of the most serious cases of stalking and breach of a restraining order that there can be. The direct consequences of your actions, is that for the four families concerned you have ruined all normal family life.
"Their children have been unable to attend school normally, and are either home schooled or have to carry tracking devices and alarms.The families have escape routes planned in case of attack, mothers have slept on the floors of their children's bedrooms to protect them.
"They have had to move home; they have had businesses ruined as a result of being unable to have an online profile. As if that is not bad enough, for the children they will never, as things stand at the moment, be able to go online and put in their own names without seeing the vile filth that you have peddled over a period of years.
"The allegations were of murder, cannibalism, satanism and sexual abuse. They could not be more serious or vile. The children's lives have been blighted forever. In my judgement you are an arrogant, malicious, evil and manipulative woman."
One of her victims told how her life had been affected by the claims in a statement read out in court.
The family have been forced to change their child's name and carry out what police call 'special measures,' changing their route to school and practicing panic drills.
The mother said McNeill's campaign of abuse has affected every part of her life. She said she is unable to concentrate at work and her marriage has come under strain.
"I now feel like I'm failing on every level, as a mother, wife and worker," she said. "To this day my daughter is fearful and worries that our family will be attacked in our home - my husband keeps a crowbar under our bed.
"She struggles to understand why adults post material of a sexual nature about her online for the world to see.
"My daughter has had to assume an alternative name in certain aspects of her life, which is something that no child should have to do. We may have to consider fully changing our daughter's name by deed poll.
"She may have to live with the stigma of being branded a satanic sexual abuse victim for the rest of her life. I can't tell you how it breaks my heart," told the, at times, visibly upset mother. "Our family was placed under special measures by the police."
Miranda Moore, prosecuting, said McNeill repeatedly harassed her victims from 2014 until earlier this year.
She said: "This relates to four totally innocent women who have had their lives turned completely upside down by this defendant."
McNeill published 'scandalous satanic child abuse accusations' and encouraged people 'to take direct action against the children of these women'.
According to McNeill they would 'drink the blood of babies and then dance around wearing the skulls on parts of their bodies. "They would put them to sleep by injecting them, slit their throats, cook the babies and eat them. The ritual is performed on an upstairs room in McDonald's on Mondays and Fridays.
"Sacrifice, blood drinking and babies' flesh eating occurs on Saturdays. The children are frequently injected and put to sleep, apparently the school nurse is the one who does the injections."
McNeill claimed up to 18 teachers from the primary school were also involved in abusing children.
She said members of the cult - from all walks of society - carried out satanic rituals in secret rooms at a Hampstead church.
Referring to McNeill's claims, the prosecutor said: "There is someone who works in Costa Coffee, a solicitor, someone who works in Waitrose, people who work in Hampstead police station, then we have got people from the Royal Free Hospital, social services and finishing up with people from the Brownies."
Ms Moore told the court: 'In September 2014 the Metropolitan Police received reports of wide spread child abuse. Satanic child rape and murder in churches in Hampstead in north London. These allegations surround two small children, commonly referred to as P and Q."
She said police initially took the complaints seriously and interviewed the children. The matter eventually reached the High Court and Mrs Justice Pauffley ruled that the accusations relating to the cult were 'baseless.' But recordings of the children's police interviews surfaced online and McNeill began her campaign to uncover the alleged cult, said Ms Moore.
"All of this is completely fake and as a result of Ms McNeill's activities, these woman have had to change their lives drastically - they have had to take their children out of school, they have had to protect their children."
Jurors heard one parent was forced to install a panic alarm and another was approached by a paedophile online looking to sleep with her child, 'making her physically sick'.
Describing how McNeill directed the campaign, Ms Moore added: "She said online that members of the public should paint dolls of the Barbie variety with red nail polish and send them to business owners in the Hampstead area."
McNeill was involved in a protest at the church in March 2015 and subsequently arrested.
She was later cleared of plotting to intimidate a vicar and his parishioners after a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, but handed a retraining order to stop her harassing the parents involved.
"Having been told not to publish these false allegations, particularly about the school and the church, and having been before the courts on a few occasions she changes method," said Ms Moore.
"She goes to what I will call the analogue method - she attends the General Synod who were having a meeting to deal with the Church of England's approach to child abuse. She attends the meeting and gives out leaflets. Ms McNeill was again arrested for doing that.
"She is an online troll of the worst kind, making the lives of innocent families a misery."
McNeill, of Goldhurst Terrace, Camden, was convicted of four counts of harassment and six counts of breaching a restraining order.
She was cleared of 11 further charges of breaching a restraining order.
McNeill was jailed for a total of nine years.
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