Berwick paedophile jailed for targeting vulnerable children online
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A paedophile who breached a court order and targeted vulnerable children online has been jailed for five years.
Peter McAskill used pseudonyms online to trick children into believing he was their age.
He would then encourage them to send sexually explicit pictures of themselves to him.
The 41-year-old was arrested in August 2023 and later made subject to a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) after it became clear to officers his offending centred around young children.
During questioning, McAskill denied any involvement in his requesting and possession of the indecent images, however digital forensic officers soon disproved these claims.
In October last year, McAskill, of West End Road, Berwick, was charged with a string of child sexual offences including making indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornography and possessing a prohibited image of a child.
Due to the overwhelming evidence against him, McAskill pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in December.
Today (Friday), he attended the same court where he was sentenced to five years in prison.
He will also be made to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
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Working together to bring McAskill to justice was the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), Northumberland Criminal Investigation Department, and the Force’s Safeguarding Department.
Speaking after McAskill’s sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Catherine Burns, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I’d like to praise everyone involved in this investigation, especially the victims we identified, for their assistance in bringing this predator to justice.
“Thanks to their bravery and the hard work and dedication of our specialist officers, a dangerous man is now beginning a stint behind bars.”
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Anyone who has been the victim of any form of sexual abuse – whether recent or non-recent – can contact police using the ‘Report’ pages of the Northumbria Police website, by using the Live Chat function on the website, or by sending a direct message on social media. For those unable to contact police this way, call 101.
Det Con Burns added: “We want the public to be aware that, as a Force, protecting and supporting vulnerable victims is our top priority and we will continue to work incredibly hard to put offenders such as Peter McAskill in front of the courts.
“If you have been a victim, we would encourage you to take that first step and come forward. You will be listened to, and you will be supported.”
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