BARRY TAYLOR AND SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN BIDEFORD AND NORTHAM

A convicted paedophile with a disturbing history has been sentenced to prison after authorities uncovered a cache of illegal images and evidence of ongoing abuse. Barry Taylor, aged 57, was found to be harboring a secret mobile phone containing illicit material, which he had concealed within a toolbox stored in his shed in Northam.

The police investigation revealed that Taylor had been actively sharing horrifying images of child abuse with other offenders. During a search of his property, officers discovered the device, which Taylor claimed he had found abandoned on the street. However, forensic analysis of the phone contradicted his story, showing that he had been using it to browse the internet for indecent images of children.

Taylor’s criminal record includes previous offenses related to child exploitation, and in court, he was described as someone with an entrenched sexual interest in minors. Expressing fear of imprisonment, Taylor admitted to his actions but was nonetheless sentenced to two and a half years behind bars.

In August 2020, Taylor had told a police officer supervising him that he had thrown his phone into the sea after receiving threats. He also claimed to have effectively deleted his search history. Yet, during a subsequent search in August 2021, police found the device hidden in his shed, and Taylor denied ownership of it.

The contents of the phone were deeply disturbing, with investigators discovering a total of 252 images depicting children. Some of these images were classified as the most serious category, showing the sexual abuse of infants. Additionally, evidence indicated that Taylor had shared a small number of these images with two men in 2017 and 2018.

This behavior constituted a clear breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that had been imposed by the courts in 2019, when Taylor was previously jailed for nine months for creating indecent images. Taylor, who resides on Benson Drive, pleaded guilty to breaching the SHPO, as well as to three counts of making and distributing indecent images of children.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Michael Green explained that Taylor was genuinely frightened about the prospect of going to prison and highlighted his caring responsibilities at home. However, Judge David Evans acknowledged that Taylor had a significant understanding of his offending and expressed that he believed Taylor was remorseful.

The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, "You have a sexual interest in underage children. Undoubtedly, this was a very serious and persistent breach that went on for some time, and you failed to reveal possession of the mobile phone." While expressing concern about Taylor’s actions, the judge clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that his online offending had escalated into contact crimes.

The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Taylor, whose online activities and possession of illegal images reflect a disturbing pattern of behavior. Authorities continue to monitor and address such cases to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.