Paul Hepworth writes of Charles Holdaway, convicted for possessing indecent internet images of children, "He did not... try to bring his fantasies to reality" (Letters, November 18).

Unfortunately, that is exactly what Mr Holdaway and others convicted of similar offences have done. Computer porn is not computer generated. It is not an artificial 'special effect'. Children were used to produce it.

Mr Holdaway's fantasy was an appalling reality for the children whose images he purchased. He may not have taken the photographs, but he directly and actively contributed to the abuse of children.

Without facing up to that fact, Mr Holdaway and other users of child pornography cannot truly face up to what they have done. Mr Hepworth will not help his friend by encouraging him to believe otherwise.

Jane Roberts,

Irwin Avenue,

Heworth,

York.

Updated: 10:24 Tuesday, November 23, 2004