MARK TERRY OF ASHFORD JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
A paedophile who directed and paid women in the Philippines to produce videos of child abuse has been sentenced to prison.Mark Terry, 55, formerly of Maidstone Road, Ashford, admitted to using an online payment platform to send money in exchange for videos depicting women sexually abusing girls.
An investigation by the Paedophile Online Investigation Team uncovered that Terry regularly paid amounts between £15 and £25 for videos that lasted approximately two to three minutes, which were shared live through a messaging app.
Following information received in February 2018, police carried out a search at Terry’s residence and seized his computer.
Forensic analysis of the device uncovered around 7,000 indecent images of children stored on the hard drive.
Terry faced charges in March 2020 and appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, 8 August 2021.
He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of a child sex offence and four counts of possessing indecent images of children.
The court sentenced him to nine years in prison and imposed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Lee Sparks of the Paedophile Online Investigation Team commented: "This case is a disturbing example which highlights how easily children can be harmed online by strangers.
Terry has caused some of the most horrific abuse of young girls, and although he was not physically present during the assaults, he is responsible for them." He added, "It is saddening that we may never fully be able to safeguard these young victims, and this case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children everywhere." Detective Sparks emphasized that the investigation was lengthy and complex, requiring significant time to uncover the full extent of Terry’s offending.
He concluded, "The judge recognised the severity of Terry’s crimes, resulting in a lengthy custodial sentence."
