JOHN TESSYEAMAN AND CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN YORKSHIRE AND THE PHILIPPINES
A man from North Yorkshire, identified as John Tesseyman, has been sentenced to a prison term of 13 months following a detailed investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into his possession of indecent images of children.The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and the disturbing links between UK nationals and international child abuse networks.
The investigation into Tesseyman was initiated as part of a broader operation targeting UK citizens who were making financial payments to a Filipino family involved in facilitating child abuse.
Tesseyman was initially identified during an NCA-led inquiry that traced financial transactions and online activities linked to individuals suspected of engaging in or supporting child sexual exploitation.
During the course of the investigation, authorities uncovered that Tesseyman was detained in the Philippines by officers from the National Bureau of Investigation while he was visiting the country.
He was suspected of child sexual abuse offences at that time.
However, after his detention, he was released and returned to the United Kingdom.
Several weeks later, law enforcement officers from the NCA arrested him at his residence in Ingleton, Carnforth.
The NCA’s investigation revealed that Tesseyman had made a total of 53 payments, amounting to approximately £2,700, to recipients in the Philippines between March and October 2017.
These financial transactions were part of a pattern linked to the facilitation of child abuse, and they played a significant role in building the case against him.
Upon arrest, authorities seized Tesseyman’s computers, which were found to contain over 70 indecent images of children.
These images were categorized from A to C, with Category A representing the most severe and explicit material.
Among the images stored on his devices was one of a Filipino child, further implicating his involvement in the exploitation network.
An examination of Tesseyman’s internet search history revealed a disturbing preoccupation with young children, including graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse.
This evidence underscored the severity of his offending and his intent.
Tesseyman faced multiple charges, including four counts of making indecent photographs of children.
His trial culminated in a sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court on 24 November 2023, where he received a 13-month prison sentence.
Additionally, he was banned from traveling to several countries, including the Philippines, for a period of five years.
The investigation also led to charges against a couple who facilitated the abuse depicted in some of the images.
One of these individuals has been convicted and is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence in Manila, highlighting the international scope of the case.
Daniel Waywell, a senior investigating officer with the NCA, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crimes.
He stated, “The Philippines remains a key focus of our work to prevent child sexual abuse by UK nationals, and we have cultivated a close working relationship with partners in the area to combat these crimes.
The investigation into John Tesseyman was the result of a concerted effort from NCA officers and our colleagues overseas, demonstrating our resolve to pursue and bring to justice individuals who pose a sexual threat to children.”
