DAVID MASTERS FROM GOXHILL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN AND ANIMAL IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Goxhill and the surrounding areas, David Masters, a 71-year-old grandfather, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the exploitation of children and the possession and distribution of extremely graphic and illegal images. The offences came to light after police investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that spanned over a decade.

On July 4 of the previous year, authorities from the Internet Sex Offences Team executed a raid on Masters' residence at Manor Farm in Goxhill. During the search, officers uncovered three computers, all of which contained a vast collection of indecent images. The analysis of these devices uncovered more than 2,000 images and videos classified in the highest category of offensive material, which is reserved for the most extreme and depraved content. In addition to these, approximately 4,000 other offensive images were discovered stored on the computers, highlighting the extent of Masters' involvement in the distribution and possession of such material.

Prosecutor Claire Holmes detailed the findings, emphasizing that Masters had used online platforms such as Skype to share videos and communicate with individuals involved in the exchange of indecent images. Further investigation revealed that Masters had actively engaged in chatrooms where he attempted to incite children into sexual activities, grooming them with the intent of inviting them to North Lincolnshire for sexual encounters. These communications were described as deeply disturbing, with some messages revealing Masters' efforts to manipulate and exploit vulnerable minors.

It was also uncovered that Masters had been sharing indecent images with others, with evidence indicating that some of these exchanges occurred as early as 2004, well before the more recent offences. The crimes attributed to him spanned from 2013 to 2017, during which he committed multiple offences including attempting to incite children to engage in sexual acts, possession of indecent images, and the distribution of such images. The images and videos involved in these crimes were described in court as 'unspeakable in the extreme,' reflecting their depraved nature.

During the court proceedings, harrowing details of Masters' communications with children were read aloud, revealing the extent of his predatory behavior. The judge, Recorder Christopher Knox, sentenced Masters to five years in prison and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, aiming to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Goxhill, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and robust law enforcement efforts to combat such heinous crimes.