Anthony Woodberry 67

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A paedophile who incited a young girl to engage in sexual activity has been jailed.

Anthony Woodberry, 67, of Harvey Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, abused the child during one afternoon in 2023.

After the offence, Woodberry told the girl not to tell anyone what had happened. However, later that day she disclosed the abuse to her parents, who contacted police.

Woodberry was arrested the following morning and officers seized electronic devices from his home. Examination of his phone uncovered extreme pornography.

During the investigation, Woodberry admitted possessing the extreme pornography but claimed he did not realise it was illegal and said he was "just curious".

Following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court in June, he was found guilty of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration.

At Peterborough Crown Court on Friday (14 August), Woodberry was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Alice Tasker said:

"Woodberry exploited and abused a young child in what was a deeply distressing offence.

"The victim showed great courage in speaking out about what had happened, and I would like to commend her bravery throughout the investigation and court process. Her actions ensured Woodberry was held accountable for his crimes.

"Child sexual abuse can have a lifelong impact on victims. We take all reports extremely seriously and will do everything we can to safeguard children, support victims and bring offenders to justice.”