Ashford Man Jailed Over Online Child Abuse Network
Christopher Ball Caught Running Child Exploitation Chat Rooms
Christopher Ball, 50, from Kilndown Close, Ashford, has been slammed with an extended jail sentence after police uncovered his vile online operation distributing indecent images of children.
Ball was arrested in January 2020 following reports he posted an indecent image on social media. A deep dive by Kent Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team revealed a horrifying stash on his devices, including over 1,200 Category A images – the gravest type of child abuse material.
Disturbing Evidence of Grooming and Sharing Across Borders
- More than 20 chat logs from November 2019 to January 2020 show Ball contacting children worldwide.
- He sent explicit clips and repeatedly tried to incite children into sexual acts.
- He created and managed chat rooms where over 400 abusive images and videos were shared.
Eight Years Inside & Tough Restrictions
Ball faced 44 charges, including possessing and distributing indecent images of children, attempting to communicate sexually with minors, and inciting sexual activity.
Admitting all offences at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court in May 2021, Ball was sentenced to eight years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on August 18, plus two years on licence.
He also faces an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from internet access without police consent and severely restricting contact with children.
Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
Detective Constable Lee Sparks said: “These were particularly serious offences. Ball repeatedly tried to persuade children to commit sexual acts and played a key role in sharing these vile images online.”
“The children exploited to create these images are real victims. Offenders like Ball fuel this horrific abuse.”
Anyone suspecting someone of viewing or sharing child abuse material must report it immediately via the Kent Police website, by calling 101, or dialling 999 if a crime is underway.
