JOHN CARVER OF NORTHAMPTON BUSTED FOR CHILD PORN AND BLACKMAIL IN NORWICH

A man registered as a sex offender, John Carver, aged 37 and hailing from Northampton, has been accused of engaging in a disturbing criminal enterprise involving the distribution of indecent images of children and subsequent blackmail attempts. Prosecutors allege that Carver made thousands of pounds by selling these illicit images to various online users, primarily through the Telegram messaging platform, during a period spanning from September 2024 to January 2025. The authorities have detailed that his activities extended to multiple locations, including Norfolk, where some of his online transactions took place.

During a court hearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, the prosecution outlined the serious nature of the charges against Carver. It was claimed that he not only sold indecent images but also engaged in threatening behavior, demanding money with menaces. Prosecutor Josephine Jones stated that Carver threatened to track down individuals and call the police if his demands were not met, effectively attempting to intimidate and coerce his victims.

Further allegations include that Carver had taken measures to conceal his digital footprint by swapping devices, making it more difficult for investigators to trace his activities. Despite these efforts, authorities managed to gather sufficient evidence linking him to the distribution of illegal content.

Carver faces a total of 17 charges, which include seven counts of blackmail and eight counts of distributing a staggering total of 5,272 indecent images and videos of children. Many of these images are classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of illegal content. In addition to these charges, he is accused of possessing Category A images and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements by not informing police of his current whereabouts, as mandated by law.

At the hearing, Carver did not enter a plea to the charges. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before Norwich Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on May 2. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of child exploitation material and to bring offenders like Carver to justice.