ASHINGTON MAN BENJAMIN PARR SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES IN POLICE STING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ashington, Benjamin Parr, a 27-year-old resident of Woodlands Road, was convicted and sentenced for engaging in heinous online activities involving child exploitation. The incident unfolded during a covert police operation aimed at uncovering individuals involved in child sexual abuse on the internet.

In June 2022, authorities revealed that Parr believed he was communicating with an anonymous user named 'Dan' on the messaging platform Kik. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually speaking with an undercover police officer. The police had set up a sting operation targeting a group suspected of being linked to child sexual abuse, and Parr's conversations were monitored as part of this investigation.

Over a span of four days in April 2021, Parr engaged in a series of deeply disturbing and vile exchanges. During these private messages, he openly expressed his disturbing desires, stating that he 'loved things he shouldn’t like.' He also mentioned a need for a child who was 'trained,' revealing his predatory intentions. Parr further admitted that his perceptions had been altered after being shown an image of a young girl aged between seven and eight, which he claimed to 'like.'

The Newcastle Crown Court heard that Parr sent three videos and one image depicting child abuse, featuring victims aged between five and thirteen. Additionally, he transmitted a video involving bestiality to 'Dan' during these exchanges. These exchanges exemplify the severity of his criminal behavior and his willingness to share and distribute such material.

Following the police investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Parr’s residence. During the raid, they confiscated a mobile phone containing a total of 21 indecent images, both still photographs and videos. These images fell into all three categories of seriousness and depicted children aged between seven and twelve. The evidence collected was instrumental in establishing the extent of Parr’s involvement in the possession and distribution of illegal material.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Benjamin Parr pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornography. The court heard the full details of his actions and the disturbing nature of the material involved.

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Parr to 16 months in prison. Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders register and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the next ten years, restrictions designed to prevent further offenses and protect the community from potential harm. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children.