107 Years For Child Abuse Gang

Seven men have been jailed for a total of 107 years for their roles in an organised group that live-streamed the sexual abuse of children.

At Bristol Crown Court the men, described by the judge as "evil beyond rational understanding", were convicted of 30 child sexual abuse offences, including conspiracy to rape and the rape of a child under 13.

An investigation was launched in September 2014 when one of the men, 33-year-old Adam Toms, from Somerset, made a 999 call to Avon and Somerset Police and was heard crying down the line.

Police officers were dispatched to his home due to concerns for his welfare. It is understood when police arrived, Toms admitted sexually abusing a child under the age of five. He was arrested and police launched an investigation.

Police began to uncover an organised group of men who used social media and internet conferencing facilities to share images and live-stream videos of children being raped and abused.

The National Crime Agency then took over the investigation and the group of seven men, including a married father of two and three Registered Sex Offenders, were uncovered and arrested.

They have been named as:

• John Denham, formally known as Benjamin Harrop, aged 49 from Wiltshire

• Matthew Stansfield, aged 34 from Hampshire

• Adam Toms, aged 33 from Somerset

• Christopher Knight, aged 35 from Manchester

• Robin Hollyson, aged 30 from Bedfordshire

• David Harsley, aged 51 from Hull

• Matthew Lisk, aged 32 from East Sussex

The NCA said that evidence revealed that the group's victims were mainly babies and infants, with at least one victim given stupefying drugs to enable offenders to carry out sexual abuse. The group even offered advice and guidance to others regarding how much drug to administer to a child, depending on their age.

The NCA's continuing investigation has resulted in the arrest of an additional 28 people so far, three of whom have been charged with child sexual abuse image offences. Nine children have been safeguarded, bringing the total number of children safeguarded to 33.

Of those arrested, seven were in positions of trust – four teachers, two charity/ fundraiser workers and one was employed by a local authority. In addition, two people received cautions for extreme pornography offences.

Over 200 intelligence packages have been shared with law enforcement partners around the world, meaning the investigation has now taken on an international dimension. As a result, more arrests and charges are expected.

Graham Gardner, Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency said: "(The) sentences highlight the depravity of these men – a depth of depravity that thankfully we rarely see.

"These offenders demonstrated a determined ruthlessness to identify vulnerable babies and infants who were unable to protect themselves. Their callousness beggars belief.

"This national investigation has now moved to an international one and the NCA will continue to work with our partners, at home and abroad, to ensure those who abuse children are brought to justice."

(MH)