This case parallels ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to combat the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery.

Prosecutor Jeanette Smith described the case as 'extremely disturbing,' emphasizing the ease with which Nelson transformed normal photographs into depraved images using AI tools.

His arrest came after one of his clients turned out to be an undercover officer, leading to the discovery of thousands of indecent images on his devices.

Nelson pleaded guilty to multiple counts related to making, possessing, and distributing indecent images of children, as well as encouraging the rape of a child under 13.

Judge Martin Walsh highlighted that while it was impossible to determine if any child was abused due to Nelson's images, he had the intent to encourage child rape.

During police interviews, Nelson acknowledged his corrupt and warped mindset, admitting that his offending had spiraled out of control.

Many of the commissions for his explicit images came from fathers, uncles, and family friends, primarily from abroad, especially the USA, Italy, and France.

Derek Ray-Hill from the Internet Watch Foundation warned that technology is enabling unprecedented violations of children, and synthetic images of child sexual abuse are considered criminal.

Hugh Nelson, a 27-year-old from Bolton, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for creating and distributing indecent images of children using artificial intelligence.

Using AI software from the U.S. company Daz 3D, Nelson generated harmful images that he sold and distributed for free, marking a significant case for Manchester's online child abuse investigation team.

Police arresting him uncovered messages where he expressed a desire for validation and belonging through his criminal activities.

Authorities believe Nelson's conviction is a landmark case that could lead to increased scrutiny of AI use in child sexual abuse cases.