KEIRON BOYD, RUNCORN OFFENDER, SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND GROOMING CASE

A repeat sex offender named Kieron Boyd, 37, who last resided on Cunliffe Close in Palacefields, Runcorn, was caught with a disturbing collection of child abuse images and videos. He initially attempted to groom a seemingly 14-year-old girl through social media, only to be lured into an online sting operation. Boyd begged police for help after his arrest.

Boyd was arrested following a failed grooming attempt on June 25 to July 5, during which he communicated with the decoy, Darcy, via Facebook, Messenger, and text messages. Prosecutor Sarah Badrawy explained that Boyd, who had breached sexual offences prevention orders (SOPO) six times before, engaged in sexually explicit conversations, asking inappropriate questions and expressing a desire to 'tie her up,' as he believed he was talking to a schoolgirl. The interaction ended when Darcy reported Boyd to authorities, providing screenshots of their conversations.

During his arrest, Boyd told his mother he was sorry, admitted he had a problem, and confessed that he had 'f***ed up and needed help.' In a police interview, he broke down and stated, 'I need help, please help me, I need help with my attraction to children.' Boyd pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to meet a child following grooming in June.

Further grim discoveries were made when police retrieved devices belonging to Boyd, revealing a horrific stash of indecent images and videos. These included abuse involving an 18-month-old baby and young girls aged around four or five being raped. His collection also featured videos of bestiality. Ms. Badrawy briefed the court on the disturbing content, noting the presence of 22 Category A videos, eight Category A images, five Category B videos, 36 images, and other images and videos of varying severity.

Boyd, who had 8 prior convictions for 25 offences—including multiple breaches of SOPO, indecent images, and criminal damage—had previously served time in prison. His solicitor, Jeremy Rawson, highlighted Boyd’s early guilty pleas, arguing they showed remorse. Rawson explained that Boyd, a father of two, had qualifications from college, a strong work ethic, and was working until his arrest. While in prison, he took on roles such as sorting laundry. Rawson emphasized Boyd's acknowledgment of his crimes and his perceived need for help, stating, 'He made full admissions and saw himself as quite clearly a man in need of great assistance.' He also noted that Boyd's mother had cut off contact following his latest offenses.

Judge Patrick Thompson described Boyd as a serious risk of harm to children, imposing an extended sentence of five years' imprisonment plus three years on extended license, allowing for the possibility of serving up to eight years if he reoffends. Boyd is required to serve two-thirds of this custodial period before parole consideration. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed, replacing the previous SOPOs, and Boyd was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

During sentencing, Judge Thompson remarked on Boyd’s history of previous court cases and expressed concern about his unhealthy and sexual interest in children. The judge reviewed the pre-sentence report, which assessed Boyd as posing a high risk of serious harm, particularly to girls aged 12 to 14. He warned Boyd to seek help for his serious issues, stating, 'Children are the most vulnerable and must be protected.'