Hugh Nelson, 27, pleaded guilty to 11 charges at Bolton Crown Court, including attempting to incite a minor under 16 to engage in sexual acts and multiple counts related to the creation and distribution of indecent images. His offenses also included possession of prohibited images and the publication of obscene materials, with sentencing scheduled for 25 September. Det Con Carly Baines from Greater Manchester Police described Nelson's actions as particularly alarming, noting that he manipulated ordinary photographs of children into indecent material.

This case marks a significant development both locally and nationally, according to Det Con Baines, who highlighted the global implications of the operation, which has led to additional arrests and safeguarding measures worldwide. Nelson reportedly engaged in explicit online conversations about children while distributing these images without charge and for payment, raising concerns about the broader impact of such activities.

Det Con Baines emphasized that this case represents a challenge to existing laws, as the methods employed by Nelson are not adequately addressed in current UK legislation. She expressed hope that the case would influence future legislative measures, particularly in relation to the use of technology in committing such offenses.

Jeanette Smith from the Crown Prosecution Service reiterated the seriousness of the misuse of technology to create abusive material, noting that it can exacerbate the suffering of children who have previously been victims of sexual abuse. The National Crime Agency has previously warned that both real and AI-generated abuse imagery heightens the risk of offenders committing further sexual crimes against children.