Paedophile Paul Roberts Jailed for Breaching Sexual Offences Order
Paul Roberts, 39, from St Helens, is now behind bars for three years and four months. The sicko broke his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by secretly communicating with a child under 16 and letting the youngster visit his home without any supervision or parental consent.
Shocking Dark Web Abuse and WhatsApp Grooming
In December 2020, NCA officers uncovered even graver crimes. Roberts sexually assaulted a child under 13 and sent explicit messages. Disturbingly, he traded detailed descriptions of child sex abuse with a dark web user, comparing notes on their offences.
Investigators spotted chilling links between dark web chats and WhatsApp messages Roberts sent to the victim. He assaulted the boy twice, once inviting him to his flat under the guise of watching TV. In April 2021, Roberts continued sending sexual messages.
Evidence Shows Attempt to Hide Crimes
Police found Roberts tried to cover his digital tracks from his sex offender manager. His devices held four indecent images of children, including one category A image – the most severe kind.
Roberts faced multiple charges: two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of sexual communication with a child, and two counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs.
Justice Served: Lifetime Register and Prevention Order
Roberts pleaded guilty via video link at liverpool/" title="Liverpool" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in October. Judge sentenced him last Thursday at Liverpool Crown Court. Alongside prison, he’s on the sex offenders register for life and slapped with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order. His devices are ordered destroyed.
NCA Operations Manager Hazel Stewart said: “Despite strict conditions, Roberts persistently sought opportunities to satisfy his sexual interest in children. He groomed and manipulated a child into thinking the abuse was normal. Protecting children is our priority. We will keep hunting down criminals like Roberts, both in the UK and abroad.”
