Paedo Steven Skelton Caught with Shocking Cache of Child Abuse Videos
Steven Skelton, 34, was arrested after a police raid on his Canterbury Road home on 10 August 2020. Officers seized two mobile phones and a tablet, all packed with vile indecent images and videos.
Hundreds of Sickening Videos Exposed
Kent Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) uncovered that Skelton had obsessively searched the internet for child abuse material. He had over 230 saved videos showing victims as young as seven streaming themselves online between 2019 and 2020.
The disturbing footage came from a site with a chat room and a “gifting” feature, allowing users to buy digital gifts like unicorns and gems to exploit vulnerable children. Skelton actively interacted with children worldwide and used his bank card to purchase digital coins for trading on the platform.
Sexual Conversations with Kids Revealed
One phone contained recordings of Skelton engaging in sexual chats with a child on social media, urging the sharing of indecent images and videos. Another phone revealed explicit text conversations with a 13-year-old from December 2017. Thanks to police work, that victim was identified and safeguarded in Kent.
Harsh Sentence for Persistent Offender
Over 70 of the images and videos found were category A – the most serious. Skelton admitted to three charges of taking indecent images, two counts of possession, ten counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual communication with a child.
He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 August 2021. Skelton faces lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders Register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Investigating officer Christina Rookes said: “This was a complex case where we reviewed thousands of videos to identify offences against children overseas. Skelton is a prolific predatory offender targeting vulnerable children worldwide, exploiting the borderless nature of the internet. We’re pleased to bring him to justice and help protect young people wherever they may be.”
