In a significant victory against online child exploitation, South Yorkshire Police’s Internet Sexual Offences Team has successfully secured convictions and jail sentences for three men who believed they were communicating with children online. The operation, which spanned several months, culminated in the arrest and sentencing of these offenders.
The Offenders
- Andrew Spinks (45), Warmsworth, Doncaster:
- Spinks engaged in online conversations with a profile he believed belonged to a young girl. His messages contained explicit sexual content.
- On April 18, officers executed a warrant at Spinks’ address, leading to his arrest.
- He was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on May 13 for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Spinks received a total of 16 months in jail.
- Timothy Newberry (33), Reresby Park Close, Rotherham:
- Newberry attempted to engage in sexual communication with a child and encouraged a child under the age of 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.
- Believing he was communicating with a child online; Newberry committed these offences in June 2023.
- He received a prison sentence of three years and six months at Sheffield Crown Court on May 20.
- Mark Priest (39), Haggstones Road, Sheffield:
- Priest faced multiple charges, including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, inciting non-penetrative sexual activity, and inciting penetrative sexual activity.
- He believed he was communicating with real children online during these offences.
- On May 17, Priest was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail by Sheffield Crown Court.
Detective Constable Spencer Lodge’s Statement
Detective Constable Spencer Lodge, who led the investigation, praised the hard work of the team in collecting crucial evidence against these criminals. He emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children and highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling online sexual exploitation.
“This operation sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those who prey on children online,” said Detective Constable Lodge. “Our officers have worked tirelessly to ensure these offenders are brought to justice. It is not always an easy job, but the safety of our children remains our top priority.”
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