KEITH PELL FROM MANSFIELD SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING BOYS
In August 2019, Keith Pell, a man residing in Mansfield, was sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with 22 young boys over the internet.The court heard that Pell had been involved in these offences between June 2016 and August 2017, during which he repeatedly contacted minors for sexual gratification.
Judge Steven Coupland presided over the case at Nottingham Crown Court and expressed serious concerns about Pell's ongoing risk to children.
A ten-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed on Pell, aimed at preventing him from soliciting boys to pose naked, wear girls' clothing, or perform sexual acts online.
The judge emphasized the gravity of Pell's actions, stating, “The conclusion of the probation service is that you are a high risk of re-offending.
I endorse that view.” Judge Coupland further detailed that Pell had engaged in these illicit communications over an 18-month period, targeting boys under the age of 18.
The offences were particularly troubling because among the victims were a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old.
As part of his sentence, Pell was also placed on the sex offenders' register for a period of ten years.
During the sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Pell was caring for his mother at the time of the offences, but made it clear that this was not an excuse for his actions.
The prosecution, led by James Baird, revealed that Pell was traced after he contacted a known paedophile in Surrey, claiming to possess 200 images of boys aged between 11 and 16.
Pell was found to have used a Canadian website dedicated to “sexualised chat,” operating from his address on Carlton Street in Mansfield.
He pleaded guilty to 22 charges related to attempting to cause or incite the exploitation of a child.
Prosecutor James Baird described how Pell asked whether the boys could have “fun together in front of the camera,” claiming he needed cheering up.
In one instance, a boy responded that he was 16 and questioned if the activity was too young for him.
Pell then instructed the boy to dress in his sister’s clothes and to get naked on camera.
Further disturbing details emerged when Pell called another victim “sexy” and asked if he would be his online boyfriend.
These actions highlight the predatory nature of Pell’s conduct and the serious threat he posed to minors online.
