Latest Offenders Somerset

Description

An 85-year-old man is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced to 22 years in jail for non-recent sexual offences, including rape, against a child.

Bruce Marshall, 85, of Woolavington, near Bridgwater, was sentenced for rape, two counts of gross indecency with a child and two counts of sexual assault against a child at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 27 April.

Marshall, who pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing at the same court on Tuesday 24 March, will serve an additional year on license but given his age, he is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Investigating officers visited the home of the victim to inform them an investigation was being carried out into an unrelated offence, who became emotional, and then declared she was sexually abused as a child.

Further statements were taken from witnesses the victim confided in, and Marshall was spoken to at his address about the allegations against him and was interviewed in February 2023.

On one occasion, Marshall was caught sexually assaulting his victim, and on another occasion, he assaulted them in the changing rooms of a swimming pool in Somerset.

After investigating officers gathered “sufficient evidence” and witness statements which undermined the defendant’s account, Marshall was arrested in 2023, and his passport was later seized after investigators found he had links overseas.

He was then charged with the offences on November 29, 2024, and was later warned by the judge to prepare for a significant sentence.

His victim, who we have supported and maintained contact with throughout the investigation, as well as offering her access to support services she feels she may benefit from, bravely read a victim impact statement which explained the impact of Marshall’s offending during sentencing.

She stated:

“I have been reluctant to provide a victim impact statement, simply because I refuse to allow Marshall to know how his horrific actions have impacted me.

“The police turned up at my home, and, after much deliberation, I agreed to work with them to finally, after many decades, bring Marshall to justice.

“I never thought I would say this, but I want to thank the detective for coming to my home and turning my world upside down. After decades of feeling too scared to speak out against Marshall, for fear of not being believed, it was him who handed Marshall to me on a silver plate to finally get justice.”

DC Damon Carney, from the specialist child protection team at Avon and Somerset Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said:

“Marshall has been convicted of very serious sexual offences against a child.

“Despite this being a non-recent case, the commitment of the victim and witnesses to support an investigation and seek justice has been the driving force which ultimately provided the overwhelming evidence that Marshall is guilty of these offences.

“The sentence is reflective of the harm he has caused and the risk he poses, and we hope this provides some assurance to victims of sexual assault that no matter how long ago the offending happened, you will be believed, and an investigation will be carried out.”

During sentencing, HH Judge Climie told Marshall: 

“This case is not about you, it is about the victim, a victim of your torture and cruelty, but your guilty plea does not, cannot and will not compensate her.”

Description

A man has been jailed after admitting sexual offences against two young girls.

Connor Chard, 22, of Yeovil, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday 14 April.

He had previously admitted three counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13 and a further one count of the same offence against a second child. Both girls were aged just seven when the offending began, at addresses in Yeovil.

His Honour Judge Cook commended the children and their parents, reiterating the huge impact Chard’s actions have had on them. 

The court was told how Chard subjected one young girl to sexual assaults on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2022. 

The second victim thankfully felt able to tell family members very soon after Chard’s first assault on her in 2024.

Both girls bravely reported this to the police and Chard’s offending came to light.

The officer in the case, DC Kerrie Paxton, said: “It’s clear Chard was an opportunist who took advantage of children who he abused after meeting them at properties he visited, and poses a danger to young girls. Both young victims in this case bravely came forward independently of each other to report their abuse; showing tremendous strength and courage throughout the investigation and court process. 

“As a result of their bravery Chard is now serving a prison sentence. The Avon and Somerset Child Protection Unit works tirelessly to protect young people and bring these types of perpetrators to justice.”

Statements from both girls’ mothers were read out in court:

The first victim’s mother said:

“It is hard to quantify the psychological effect this has had. You didn’t just harm her in a single moment – you changed how she saw the world. A child should feel safe and because of your actions, that sense of safety was taken away from someone who was so innocent, happy, and outgoing. You made a choice, my child did not.”

The second victim statement said:

“Our daughter has had a huge part of her childhood completely ruined. What every other families take for granted has been stolen from us … No child should feel permanently vulnerable and no mother should feel so helpless to protect their daughter.”

HH Judge Cook sentenced Chard to four years in prison and added a one-year extension to his licence on release, as well as imposing a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Description

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for more than six-and-a-half years for raping a woman in 2023.

Ryan Kerr, of Wells, denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury in December before being sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (6 March).

He raped the victim while she was sleeping at a house in July 2023.

The incident was reported to police and Kerr was subsequently arrested as part of the investigation led by our specialist rape and serious sexual offences team, Operation Bluestone, and later charged.

He denied the offence, claiming it had been consensual, but was found guilty by a jury at Taunton Crown Court in December.

On Friday he was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and given an indefinite restraining order, forbidding him from contacting the victim.

DC Venetia Kelly said:

“I would like to commend the courage shown by the victim throughout the investigation and trial. She was offended against in the most heinous way and I hope that the sentence imposed provides her with some comfort as she looks to rebuild her life.

“Kerr’s refusal to admit his guilt only delayed this process and added to the significant harm he had already caused.

“I’m pleased that he has now been convicted and is beginning a lengthy prison sentence.”

Description

A 25-year-old man has been jailed after pleading guilty to a sexual offence against a child.

Jason Squibb, formerly of Westfield Road, Yeovil, has been jailed for almost three years after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a teenage girl.

Squibb appeared at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, for sentencing on Friday 30 January. He was jailed for two years and eight months, ordered to register as a sex offender and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.

The court heard how Squibb had used social media platform, Snapchat, to message a teenage girl and groom her with the promise of buying her alcohol.

In October 2021, Squibb intentionally engaged in sexual activity with the victim, who he knew was not over the legal age of 16.

Every person who reports a sexual offence is entitled to anonymity.

The victim’s mother, speaking after Squibb was jailed, said:

“Four years ago, our daughter’s life was changed forever. Since then, she has lived with the profound trauma of the assault committed against her by Jason Squibb.

“However, this sentencing is not about him – it is about the power of finding one’s voice.

“Our daughter was determined to see this legal process through to the end for one specific reason: she knows she is not alone. Even at her young age, she understands that other girls have endured the same pain and carried the same unnecessary shame. Her message to them is clear: you do not have to live in silence.

“Sometimes, bad things happen to good people, but those moments do not define who you are. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve justice.

“As her mother, I am incredibly proud of the strength she has found. To anyone else who may be a victim: please come forward. Every piece of information and every bit of evidence matters. Our children deserve protection, and your voice can help provide it.

“This journey has rocked our family to its core and it has not been an easy road, but we emerge from this stronger than ever.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly on her case, and to those who supported us leading up to the sentencing.”

Officer in the case, DC Elisabeth Dane from our Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT), said:

“Squibb groomed a child using the purchase and supply of alcohol in exchange for sexual favours.

“The bravery and courage exhibited by the victim, and her family, has led to a dangerous man being put behind bars, no longer a risk to other girls. We cannot thank her enough for her continued support throughout this investigation and hope she is able to move forward.

“We continue to support the victim in this case and other victims of this form of crime, we will always listen to you and seek to bring dangerous people such as Squibb before a court to get the justice they deserve.”

Description

A man who worked in childcare has been convicted of 21 sexual offences against children in Bristol. 

Following a trial at Bristol Crown Court, Nathan Bennett, 30, of Corston, was found guilty by a jury on Monday 9 February of:

• Two counts of sexual assault by penetration 
• Two counts of rape of a child under 13 
• Four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and 

He had previously admitted thirteen offences: 

Eight counts of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 
Four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and  
One count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. 
Bennet has been remanded and will be sentenced at the same court on Monday 16 March.

Bennett committed the offences against five children he met at his workplace. His crimes came to light when his manager reviewed CCTV, after concerns were raised by parents and other staff. On seeing suspicious behaviour on the footage, Nathan was sent home and a report made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). 

The LADO contacted police on Wednesday 26 February 2025. Bennett was arrested and questioned the same day and later released on bail, with conditions including not to be unsupervised with any person under 18. 

Following a six-month investigation by specialist officers, Bennett was initially charged with eight offences in August 2025, when he was remanded into custody by the court. He was later charged with a further fourteen offences. 

During the trial, Virginia Cornwall, prosecuting, said:

“It’s every parent’ s worst nightmare, that a person entrusted to be responsible for your child, care for your child and nurture your child at times when you are unable to provide that parental care, abuses their position and sexually abuses that child.

“The defendant is a paedophile. He has admitted his sexual interest in pre-school age toddlers … by his partial guilty pleas to some charges in this case – the less serious charges.”

The investigating officer, DC Bethany Cook, said:

“Nathan Bennett was trusted to care for very young children, but instead committed sexual offences against them at his place of work.

“This investigation involving such young children was deeply challenging and distressing for all concerned, and I would like to commend the support and strength shown by those families.

“This case has caused significant anxiety for other families whose children attended the nursery during the time these offences were committed and, when appropriate, we’ve tried to keep them informed.”

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed following serious online child-safeguarding offences and breaches of an order imposed after he committed 13 offences.

Rhys Jones, 27, from Bridgwater, was sentenced to an immediate three years in prison when he was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday 16 January.

He pleaded guilty to six counts of breaching the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register (SOR) by failing to notify police of new accounts, usernames, or email addresses on Snapchat, TikTok and Gmail.

Jones also breached the conditions of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order three times (SHPO) by using file sharing website Dropbox and installing Snapchat on mobile phones, and he also pleaded guilty to making four indecent images of children.

Alongside an immediate custodial term, he has been handed a restraining order to not contact his victim, a girl under 16 who he contacted for sexual gratification, which is in place until 2036. The SHPO is now in place indefinitely.

Jones’ latest offending came to light when officers made an unannounced visit to an address he was staying at to check he was complying with the conditions of the SOR and SHPO on Friday 7 November, which were imposed in August 2025 by Taunton Magistrates’ Court.

Jones was then arrested following mobile phone analysis where the offending was discovered. Officers found his devices were used to breach previous orders and were therefore seized.

These measures were imposed to reflect the gravity of his offending and to ensure longterm safeguarding of the victim and wider public.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Paul said: 

“Without the positive joint working of the newly formed Offender Manager Investigation Team, the digital team and CID, we would not have been able to achieve this sentence.

“This case shows the devastating impact online predators can have on vulnerable individuals. The victim showed exceptional bravery throughout this investigation, and this sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences. Our priority will always be the safety of children and young people, both online and offline.

“We want to reassure victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. Reporting abuse is incredibly difficult, but nobody must face it alone. If you are worried about your safety, or the safety of a child, please reach out. We have dedicated teams who will act swiftly to protect you, and we were supported in this case by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.”

Description

A man has been handed a 12-year prison sentence after admitting raping a woman in a Taunton park.

The attack happened between 11pm on Friday 10 and 5am on Saturday 11 October 2025, in Victoria Park.
Police issued an appeal for information on Sunday 12 October, and made an arrest the same day.

Manoj Chinthathira, 29, of Wilfred Road, Taunton, entered guilty pleas to two counts of rape at a hearing on 28 November 2025, and was remanded into custody.

Today, Thursday 8 January, he was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, to a 12-year jail term for each offence, to run concurrently, after allowing a reduction for his guilty plea.

His Honour Judge Stephen Climie said Chinthathira would be deported after serving 50 per cent of his sentence.

Chinthathira expressed his remorse and shame, and hung his head.

Manoj Chinthathira had approached the woman – a stranger to him – in the street after noticing that she seemed upset.

Police enquiries established that he bought beer from a nearby shop and plied the woman, aged in her thirties, with alcohol, at first chatting with her in a friendly way.

Nearby security cameras captured the chilling moment he told the woman he was going to rape her, and the terrified woman repeatedly begging “please don’t”.

Officer in the case DC Amanda Johnson said:

“This is a disturbing case in which a man has targeted a vulnerable woman. Manoj Chinthathira saw a woman who was in distress. He bought alcohol and took her to a secluded bench in the park. While he at first seemed to be friendly, it seems clear his behaviour was planned and predatory. During the sustained assault she was in fear for her life.

“When confronted with his crime, he initially denied it, but the evidence was so compelling he was forced to enter a guilty plea in court. I would like to recognise the woman for resolutely supporting an investigation which has taken someone who poses a clear risk to women and girls off our streets. I must also thank the members of the public who helped the victim, and those who came forward with information after our initial appeal.”

Christine Hart, Senior Crown Advocate from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: 

“The OIC and her team conducted a thorough and sensitive investigation which included obtaining audio from nearby CCTV cameras that captured the harrowing soundtrack of this incident. I echo the comments made in relation to the courage and resilience shown by the victim. The CPS are committed to working with the police to both support victims and to bring offenders committing acts of violence towards women and girls to justice.”

Description

A 54-year-old man has been jailed after officers discovered he has been trying to message children for a sexual purpose.

Andrew Cobb, from Monmouth Street, Bridgwater, was sentenced today (Friday 14 November) at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, to six years and seven months in prison. He was also made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The sentence comes after Cobb pleaded guilty to 15 offences including making indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court was told how in April 2023, Cobb had been messaging someone online who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.

He was arrested in June 2023 and several of his electronic devices were seized, where officers discovered the true extent of his criminality.

The examination uncovered several persistent, manipulative conversations with at least nine children including requests for images and discussions around sexual activity.

In several cases, it was found he had initiated the conversation and sought to build trust and maintain secrecy, often framing the interactions as a private relationship or mentorship.

The court was told how Cobb had previously committed similar offences in 2011 and had been ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years, stopping in 2021 before his recent offending started. 

Officer in the case, DC Benn Murphy, said:

“This case exposes the calculated and relentless nature of Cobb’s online child exploitation.

“He deliberately targeted vulnerable children, manipulated them for his own gratification, and showed utter disregard for the harm he caused. His guilty plea reflects the overwhelming evidence built against him.

“We will not hesitate to pursue offenders like Cobb and bring them to justice. Protecting children is one of our absolute priorities, and we will do everything in our power to ensure those who prey on them are identified, stopped and prosecuted.”

Description

A monstrous double rapist who attacked two vulnerable women has been jailed for 20 years.

Daniel Hart, 29, raped the victims in one night in May, with police labelling him "despicable."

Hart first entered the home of a woman in her 70s with dementia in Poole, Dorset, during the night of May 14/15 this year. He dragged her into the bedroom and raped her.

Police were called at 5:15am and identified Hart via DNA left at the scene.

Before officers could apprehend him, Hart targeted a second victim, a woman in her 40s with disabilities. He approached her outside her flat, pushed her inside, and raped her.

Police were called at about 2pm on May 15 and found Hart nearby. He fled but was chased back to the flat, where he jumped through the lounge window.

Hart was arrested after the second victim confirmed his identity.

He was charged with both rapes, pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 3, and was sentenced to 20 years.

Detective Inspector Jon Sainsbury, of Bournemouth CID, said:

"Daniel Hart's horrific offending saw him rape two vulnerable women in their own homes.

"Thanks to the swift response from officers on the day and a thorough and determined investigation by detectives afterwards, we were able to hold him to account for his despicable crimes.

"When it became apparent both matters involved the same suspect, Detective Constable Hele Leech-Wilkinson and Detective Constable Chloe Roaf worked diligently together to build the case against Hart and ensure he faced justice.

"Our officers will continue to support victims of rape and sexual offences and are absolutely committed to identifying those responsible and taking robust action against them."

Description

A man from Weston-super-Mare has been jailed for 12 years after being convicted of non-recent sexual offences against a child.

Rodney Bunzly, 57, of Grasmere Drive, was sentenced for indecent assault against a child, indecency with a child, sexual intercourse with a child, and penetrative sexual activity with a child, at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 20 October.

He was also found guilty by a jury of 10 other charges of making indecent images of a child and was sentenced to the four most serious after an eight-day trial at the same court on Thursday 18 September.

Bunzly is now the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order not to contact the victim.

The victim said in a statement, which was read in court on their behalf:

“The last few years have been hard.

“When I found out what charges had been authorised against Rodney, I went to stay with my family as I felt weak and unstable.

“What Rodney did to me has been a constant burden. It has always been there in the background as something that happened and something that I had no control over.

“It has always been something that affected my ability to form relationships with others. Rodney has always made this about him, never displaying any remorse.

“I would like Rodney to know that I no longer feel guilty for his actions. I want him to know that despite what he did to me, I am in a strong place and am starting to enjoy life again.”

DC Joe Sanderson, officer in the case, said:

“I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in speaking to us, and for her patience while waiting for her voice to be heard in court.

“Bunzly took advantage of the victim when she was very young and while she was vulnerable around two decades ago, and his targeted abuse had a lasting impact on both the victim and those around her. I hope this conviction demonstrates to others who have been subjected to abuse that we will listen and will take you seriously.”

Judge Moira Macmillan said in summary:

“I am satisfied she (the victim) has suffered serious and significant psychological harm as a result of the offences you committed against her.”

Description

A 45-year-old man has been jailed for nine years after sexually assaulting a woman while she was vulnerable.

James Murray, from Weston-super-Mare, has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual assault, one count of perverting the course of justice and careless driving.

On Friday (17 October), Bristol Crown Court was told how paramedics were called to a property in Weston-super-Mare where a woman was in distress.

Following further enquires, the victim disclosed that Murray had sexually assaulted her when she was not in a state to give consent.

The court was told how Murray had filmed the abuse on his phone for his own gratification.

After being remanded to prison, Murray reached out to the victim and sent her multiple letters in an attempt to dissuade her from pursuing a prosecution and asked her to disengage with police.

The court was also told how, in a separate incident, Murray had been driving carelessly and nearly collided with two pedestrians after crashing into a fence next to them and then leaving before police arrived.

Officer in the case, DC Jordan Prince, said:

“I have to commend the victim who has shown exceptional bravery throughout the investigation and court process. She showed tremendous courage to speak out against Murray and support our enquiries.

“Murray committed vile acts against the victim when she was in a vulnerable state and has shown no remorse for his actions. Enquiries led to the police locating the videos of abuse leaving Murray with no choice but to plead guilty.

“We, along with the victim, hope that other would-be victims of sexual offences hear about this case and have the courage to come forward and seek their own justice.”

During the sentence, His Honour Judge Burgess KC described the events as both ‘distressing’ and difficult to comprehend, and his treatment of the victim was ‘degrading’.

He told Murray he showed ‘absolutely no respect for her or her feelings’ and used the victim as an ‘inanimate thing’ for his own ‘perverted gratification’.

Alongside the prison sentence, Murray will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life, preventing him from working with vulnerable children or adults in the future.

Additionally, he was issued a 15-year restraining order and nine points on his provisional licence.

Description

A man has been jailed for several years after raping a woman in Warminster.

Shaun Bundy, 41, of Pookfield Close, Nunney, Frome, appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (04/09) after being found guilty of rape following a retrial.

He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment plus an extended five years on licence.

He is also required to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

On May 26, 2023, Bundy attended the home of the victim, a woman in her 30s who was known to Bundy, to collect tools.

He loaded the tools into the back of his vehicle and asked for a drink of water, which the victim agreed to.

Inside the address, Bundy has then raped the victim, before leaving and ordering her not to tell anyone.

The victim bravely reported the incident to the police shortly after and Bundy was arrested the same day at his home address.

In interview, he denied the offence, claiming he had been to the victim’s address but no sexual activity had taken place.

After Bundy’s DNA was found following a forensic examination, he was re-interviewed but continued to deny any sexual contact had taken place.

He was subsequently charged with rape and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the court process.

He was found guilty in a re-trial following a hung jury in the first trial.

DS Toni Nugent of South CID said:

“Firstly I want to pay tribute to the victim for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the process.

“Not only did she come forward to make the report but Bundy then forced her to go through a trial twice despite the forensic evidence.

“The victim also had the support of an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) – these are specially trained advisers who provide specialist support to victims who have experienced rape and sexual assault.

“An ISVA provides impartial information to the victim/survivor about their options throughout the process.

“I am pleased that after a court process lasting for more than two years for the victim, Bundy has now been jailed for his crime and will also be on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.”

Description

A doctor who put his semen into a cup of coffee he made for a woman has been permanently struck off.

Former Taunton GP Nicholas Chapman, 57, was found guilty in June 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual activity without consent. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order.

Two years on, a medical tribunal panel has ruled he should be erased from the medical register.

In a judgement published online, the tribunal panel said "reasonable" members of the public would find Chapman's conviction "deplorable", adding they would be "appalled" if he were not struck off.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal document detailed how Chapman had targeted a second woman – referred to only as Ms A – over a number of years.

It said he had shown her photos of naked women without her consent and suggested she should look for him on an unnamed dating app.

The victim also said he had kissed her and, on a separate occasion, had pinched her bottom during a hug – allegations that Chapman denied.

The tribunal panel ruled that these actions were "unwanted", constituted sexual harassment and created "a degrading environment" for the victim.

During the 2023 trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the first woman, known to the tribunal as Ms B, described the coffee semen incident as "devious and cowardly".

She said she hoped to move on but would "have to accept that the mental and emotional trauma I have suffered throughout this will always remain with me in some way".

At the time, Chapman was made subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and was placed on the sex offenders' list for five years.

'No evidence of apology'

The medical tribunal heard evidence from a doctor who worked at the same practice as Chapman.

The doctor said the impact of Chapman's actions on the reputation of the practice and trust in doctors was "still huge".

"There continue to be comments inside and outside of the practice on a regular basis like, 'Oh we don't talk about Dr Chapman'," they added.

"Some patients are put off coming to the practice and some have a mistrust of seeking help when they need it, or whether things would remain confidential," the doctor continued.

Handing down their judgement, the tribunal panel said Chapman had shown a "lack of insight" about the impact of his actions.

They highlighted that they had "received no evidence of apology, reflection, insight or remediation from Dr Chapman in respect of his conviction".

While Chapman told the tribunal panel he accepted his conviction, he continued to maintain his innocence.

"Dr Chapman had undermined and breached the trust and confidence of patients and the public in the medical profession," the tribunal report said, adding he had brought the profession into "disrepute".

Description

A sex offender has been jailed for more than a decade after subjecting a young child to abuse over the course of two and a half years in Tunbridge Wells.

A jury unanimously found Benjamin Edgell guilty after he repeatedly sexually assaulted the vulnerable victim between 2018 and 2020.

Investigating officers arrested Edgell on 30 June 2020 and seized his mobile phone and devices.

Forensic analysis of his phone revealed it contained illegal images and a video of the victim.

Edgell, 43, of Longleat Road in Radstock, Somerset, was later charged with four counts of sexual assault of a child and three counts of making indecent images of a child.

Sentenced

He pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

On 11 July 2025, Edgell was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment, of which he must serve at least two thirds before consideration for parole.

Upon his release, he will serve a four year extended licence and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Wendy Thatcher, said:

‘Edgell committed the most vile and heinous acts against a child for his own gratification, without a single thought for their emotional, physical, nor psychological wellbeing.

‘Edgell denied the charges and subjected the victim and their family to a lengthy trial, during which they were forced to relive abhorrent events. I am grateful for their bravery, support, and perseverance in helping to secure a conviction against the offender.

‘It is right that Edgell has been handed such a lengthy custodial sentence and I hope it is of some comfort to the victim and their family.’

Description

A man who live streamed child sexual abuse from the Philippines and shared indecent images of children has been sentenced following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Darren Ashton, 52, from Somerset, regularly accessed websites that streamed the real-time abuse of children in the Philippines.

Calling himself 'Daz from England', Ashton discussed the sharing of images and videos of male children aged 13 and 14 and talked about his preference for 'cam shows' rather than recorded videos.

In another deleted conversation recovered from his mobile phone, Ashton is seen to be talking to a child based in Singapore aged around 11 years old. After receiving an image of the boy, Ashton encouraged him to send indecent pictures of himself to him.

NCA officers arrested Ashton at his home in Somerset after receiving intelligence from the Philippines National Police as part of their investigation into a Filipino national who had been arrested in country.

Indecent images – 185 in Category A, 244 in Category B and 266 in Category C – were discovered on his devices, alongside 10 extreme or prohibited images.

Ashton was interviewed and denied the offences. He was later charged and pleaded guilty to nine child sexual abuse offences on 13 February at Taunton Crown Court.

He was sentenced at the same court today (9 May) and was sentenced to four years in prison. He will also be on the Sex Offenders Register and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) indefinitely.