Warning: readers may find parts of this article upsetting.

A Harrogate man has admitted a string of offences involving indecent images of children.

Nicholas Hodgson, of Albert Road, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday (November 20) where he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.

Hodgson, 43, pleaded guilty to five charges of making indecent images of children between May 2024 and October 2024.

The offences included seven photographs and 14 moving images of children which were rated category A — the most serious kind.

He also pleaded guilty to 23 category B still images, six category B moving images and one category C photograph.

Alison Whiteley, prosecuting, told the court that police attended Hodgson’s address after being provided information. Officers seized his phone and investigated the device where they were able to recover the child abuse material.

After being arrested, Hodgson told police he “was not a risk to children”, the court heard.

He added there was a “private safe” on his phone where there were more videos. Ms Whitely said the videos were “deliberately” put into the folder, which was encrypted.

One of the videos was 10 minutes long and involved a young girl being raped, magistrates were told.

Ms Whiteley added that some of the material appeared to have been purchased in United States dollars.

‘Well aware of prison’

Andrew Tinning, defending, requested that magistrates deal with Hodgon’s case in Harrogate rather than refer it to York Crown Court, despite the severity of the offences.

He said the 43-year-old had made a full admission to police and was aware that a prison sentence was possible.

Mr Tinning said:

Mr Tinning added that Hodgson “volunteered” that there were images and videos on his phone to police.

Magistrates adjourned the case for an all options pre-sentence report to be made.

Hodgson will appear at Harrogate Magistrates Court again on February 13, 2026.