Heathfield man sentenced in county’s first AI-generated abusive image case

Heathfield man sentenced in county’s First AI-generated abuse image case

A man from Heathfield has been sentenced after becoming one of the first individuals in Sussex to be convicted for creating and distributing AI-generated indecent images of children, in a case that has drawn attention to the misuse of emerging technologies.

James Castell, 40, of High Street, Heathfield, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 19 December. The court handed him an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, alongside a series of long-term restrictions designed to protect the public.

Investigation linked back to Heathfield

The investigation began in October 2024 when Sussex Police identified the online distribution of an indecent image of a child that was believed to have been created using artificial intelligence. Detectives traced the activity back to Castell’s address in Heathfield.

Officers from the force’s Online Child Abuse Team arrested Castell and carried out a search of his home, where multiple digital devices were seized. Subsequent examinations revealed more than 3,800 indecent images of children, including a significant number classified as the most serious category. The material dated back several years.

Investigators also found AI image-generation software, along with evidence showing Castell had produced and shared the initial AI-generated image.

Court Proceedings and Sentence

Castell first appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 8 October, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. These included possession and distribution of indecent and prohibited images of children, including pseudo-photographs created using artificial intelligence.

In addition to the suspended sentence, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, significantly restricting Castell’s access to digital devices and contact with children. He will also be subject to sex offender registration for ten years, required to complete rehabilitation activities, and ordered to carry out 240 hours of community work.

A local case with wider implications

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Luke Kyriakides-Yeldham highlighted the seriousness of the offences and the evolving nature of technology. He stressed that the creation of indecent images using AI is a criminal offence and confirmed that police are continuing to adapt their approach as technology develops.

For the Heathfield community, the case underscores how online offences can have very real local roots, while also reflecting a broader national challenge for law enforcement. Sussex Police has reiterated its commitment to working with partners to identify and stop the misuse of digital tools in criminal activity.

“The scale of his offending, and wider online activity, shows an offender with a committed sexual interest in children as young as three years old.

“Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving technology, and cases such as this show criminals will use AI for their own ends.

“Make no mistake, the use of AI to create indecent images of children is an offence. We are working hard with our partners to identify those creating and distributing these images, and we will take robust action against perpetrators.” commented a Police spokesperson.

Residents with concerns about online safety or suspicious activity are encouraged to report information through official police channels, helping to keep local communities safe and informed.