EASTBOURNE MAN DAVID WOOD SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

In a significant case stemming from Eastbourne, David Alan Wood, aged 47, has been handed a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious offences related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children, as well as conspiracy to incite sexual activity involving a minor. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, June 24, following a detailed investigation into his activities that uncovered disturbing evidence of online child exploitation.

Wood, who resides on Bexhill Road in Eastbourne, was convicted last month on six counts of creating indecent images of children at Level Four, which is classified among the most severe categories of such material. Additionally, he faced a charge of making indecent images at levels one through four, indicating a range of material from less to highly explicit. He was also convicted of conspiracy to cause or incite a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, a serious offence that underscores the gravity of his actions.

His sentences were structured with 12 months allocated for each of the six counts of making indecent images, totaling 72 months, and four years for the conspiracy charge. These sentences are to run concurrently, resulting in a total of four years of imprisonment. Following his release, Wood will be subject to an extended period of supervision under probation for an additional two years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Although Wood was also charged with the distribution of indecent images, this particular offence was ordered to remain on the court record without further prosecution. The conspiracy charge revealed that Wood used a false online identity to communicate with others about abusing young boys, discussing plans and desires to commit such acts. One of the individuals involved in these conversations was also arrested; he resided in Sussex and was known to authorities. Tragically, this man took his own life before he could stand trial, adding a somber note to the case.

As part of his sentencing, the court imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Wood, which severely restricts his access to the internet and prohibits him from working with children under 16. Furthermore, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for life, a legal requirement that ensures ongoing public safety. He is also permanently banned from employment involving children, reflecting the court’s determination to prevent any future harm.

Wood’s arrest was carried out by detectives from Sussex Police’s Paedophile On-Line Investigation Team (POLIT), following intelligence provided by the national Child Exploitation On-Line Protection Centre (CEOP). Detective Constable Jackie Keogh, a member of POLIT, stated, “Wood initially denied any involvement with the images, but our forensic computer work and extensive investigation proved his responsibility. He was not only a collector and distributor of indecent images of teenage boys, each representing a form of sexual abuse, but also engaged in discussions about meeting others for physical abuse of children.”

Detective Inspector Jez Prior emphasized the importance of community and law enforcement cooperation, saying, “We take all reports of this nature very seriously, whether they come from the public or law enforcement agencies. Anyone with concerns or information about potential offences can contact us confidentially at any time via 101, asking for the Sussex Paedophile On-Line Investigation Team.” This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from harm.