A 34-year-old man from Torquay has been jailed for 18 years, with a further six years on extended licence, after admitting 17 serious sexual offences involving children, including the rape of a girl under 13.
Edward Howard, of Warren Road, Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday (22 October) following an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police‘s Paedophile Online Investigation Team.
Howard previously pleaded guilty to all 17 charges at a hearing on 20 August 2026.
The offences included rape, attempted assault by penetration, the creation and distribution of indecent images of children, sexual communication with children and possession of extreme pornography.
Police Investigation Uncovered Abuse and Indecent Images
Howard was first arrested in December 2025 after police received information indicating that he had uploaded indecent images of children to the internet.
Investigators subsequently examined his mobile phone and discovered a substantial quantity of child sexual abuse material spanning Categories A, B and C.
The examination also uncovered evidence of sexual communications involving three children.
Detectives found images Howard had taken himself of one victim, who later disclosed that he had sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion.
Four of the charges related to that victim, including rape of a girl under 13, two counts of attempted assault by penetration and making an indecent photograph of a child.
Further charges involved making and distributing indecent images across all three categories, three counts of sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornography.
Detective Praises Victim’s Courage
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Ryan McGregor, the officer in the case, described the investigation as complex and disturbing.
He said:
“This was a complex and disturbing investigation led by the Devon and Cornwall Paedophile Online Investigation Team.”
DC McGregor praised the victim for coming forward and helping officers bring Howard to justice.
“We would like to commend the incredible courage and strength of the victim in speaking out. She has been supported by her family and specially trained officers throughout and I do not underestimate the impact this has had on her. We hope this outcome will offer some comfort to the victim and her family.”
The detective said the strength of the evidence gathered during the investigation had helped secure Howard’s guilty pleas.
Police Issue Warning to Child Sex Offenders
DC McGregor welcomed the sentence and warned that detectives would continue targeting those who sexually exploit children, both online and offline.
He said:
“We welcome today’s sentence. We will never stop investigating such offences to safeguard children and protect the public from those who seek to hurt children.”
He added:
“For those tempted to engage in this type of behaviour, our message is simple: we are watching you, you will be caught, and you can expect a knock at the door from us very soon.”
Officers also encouraged other victims of sexual offences to come forward, emphasising that reports would be investigated regardless of when offences occurred or who was involved.
Support Available for Victims and Survivors
Anyone affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence can access confidential advice and specialist support.
Victim Support can be contacted on 0808 1689 111, while Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit is available on 01392 475900.
Support is also available through the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999, and Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres on 0300 303 4626.
Further information is available at Victim Care Devon and Cornwall and through the Devon and Cornwall Police sexual assault support pages.
Howard’s sentence comprises 18 years in custody and an additional six-year extended licence period.
