A 'remorseless' paedophile who made and distributed indecent images of children is back behind bars after police uncovered concealed hard drives at his house.

Philip Kirk, 30, of Arklecragg, Albany, Washington, has numerous previous convictions for possessing and making indecent images of children, dating back to 2010.

Since his release in January 2023, he has been the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been monitored by Northumbria Police officers.

The order requires to produce any device capable of internet access, when asked by police, as well as being prohibited from using any internet devices or methods capable of concealing internet usage.

Kirk was arrested in January this year when officers suspected he was using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the internet.

During a search of his property, police discovered several concealed digital devices including multiple hard drives and memory cards.

The Northern Echo: Philip KirkPhilip Kirk (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Children’s clothing amongst other concerning paraphernalia was also discovered inside the address.

Following the examination of the devices, officers discovered more than 2,000 indecent images and videos of children between the ages of six months and 16 years old being sexually abused.

When officers delved further into the contents of Kirk’s digital footprint, they discovered he had been communicating with other like-minded individuals who often discussed their attraction to children.

Kirk was later charged and last Friday (March 8) at Newcastle Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to one count of making indecent images of children and one count of breaching his order.

He was sentenced to a total of seven years and two months in prison for his reoffending.

Kirk also had the remainder of his devices seized.

He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register (SOR) for the rest of his life.

Police Constable Daniel Jackson, of Northumbria Police, was the officer in charge of the case.

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He said: “I hope this sends a strong message to others with court orders – if you breach your conditions we will take action and we will ensure you are put back in front of a judge.

“Clearly, Kirk has shown no remorse for his original offending and has slipped very quickly back into his old abhorrent ways.

“As a Force, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the most serious offenders like Kirk are brought to justice, are top priorities for us. His arrest, charge and subsequent sentence are just one example of our day-in-day-out commitment to safeguard children from this type of behaviour.”

PC Jackson added: “I’m pleased to see Kirk is now where he belongs – safely behind bars.

“I’m sure our communities will rest easier knowing a dangerous predator has been returned to prison.”