MARTIN GOODYEAR RUFFORD MAN WHO FILMED CHILDREN AT SOUTHPORT AIR SHOW PLEADS GUILTY TO 33 OFFENCES
| Red Rose Database
Rufford Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Martin Goodyear, a resident of Rufford, was brought before Liverpool Crown Court to face serious allegations related to the exploitation and endangerment of children. The proceedings revealed that Goodyear, a 44-year-old man, had engaged in covert activities involving the filming of innocent children during public events, including the well-attended Southport Air Show.
Authorities uncovered a troubling collection of illegal material and dangerous items during a raid on his home on February 16 of this year. The police investigation uncovered a vast array of evidence, including numerous cameras, camcorders, mobile phones equipped with recording capabilities, and extensive computer equipment. Additionally, the search yielded DVDs, videos, magazines with explicit content, and children's clothing, notably two swimming costumes suitable for pre-school-aged children. The discovery of a significant cache of legal weapons, such as crossbows, samurai swords, axes, throwing knives, air rifles, and other knives, further compounded the severity of the case.
Analysis of Goodyear’s digital devices revealed the presence of over 1,000 indecent images of children. While most of these images fell into the lowest category of severity, there were photographs classified across all five levels of seriousness. The images included photographs of young girls, some in underwear, with particular focus on their breast areas, indicating a disturbing pattern of sexual interest. Goodyear admitted to downloading these images and confessed that he viewed them for sexual gratification. He revealed that he accessed such material approximately five or six times weekly, having viewed an estimated 50,000 images, describing his boredom with more conventional pornography as a motivation.
Furthermore, the court heard that Goodyear had been secretly filming children at public events, capturing footage that included young girls under the age of ten. The footage reportedly focused on their underwear and breast areas, highlighting the predatory nature of his actions. The police investigation also uncovered a collection of children's clothing, including items suitable for very young children, which raised further concerns about his intentions.
During his interview with authorities, Goodyear admitted to viewing all the images for sexual pleasure. His lifestyle was described as solitary, with the court noting that his role as the full-time carer for his elderly and ill parents likely contributed to his limited social interactions. His father was reported to be on dialysis due to kidney failure, and his mother was described as being in poor health. The judge commented that if Goodyear had more opportunities for social engagement and healthier activities, his problematic behaviors might have been mitigated.
Judge Brian Lewis expressed his concern over the case, describing it as “a very worrying case.” He acknowledged that Goodyear had accepted he had a problem but questioned whether he truly understood the harm caused to the children depicted in the images. The judge emphasized that any child involved in such photographs was permanently marked and corrupted, especially when they are very young. He condemned the trade in such illicit images, which are circulated on the internet for the sexual gratification of individuals like Goodyear.
While acknowledging the gravity of the offenses, Judge Lewis decided to suspend a 12-month prison sentence for two years, considering the circumstances. He also placed Goodyear under supervision for two years, mandating attendance at an internet sex offenders program to help prevent future offenses. Additionally, Goodyear was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order restricts his internet use and bans him from possessing any recording devices at organized public events.
Prosecutor Harry Pepper detailed the extent of the police raid and subsequent findings, emphasizing the disturbing nature of Goodyear’s activities. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes. The community now awaits the full implications of the court’s ruling, which aims to protect vulnerable children from further harm.
Authorities uncovered a troubling collection of illegal material and dangerous items during a raid on his home on February 16 of this year. The police investigation uncovered a vast array of evidence, including numerous cameras, camcorders, mobile phones equipped with recording capabilities, and extensive computer equipment. Additionally, the search yielded DVDs, videos, magazines with explicit content, and children's clothing, notably two swimming costumes suitable for pre-school-aged children. The discovery of a significant cache of legal weapons, such as crossbows, samurai swords, axes, throwing knives, air rifles, and other knives, further compounded the severity of the case.
Analysis of Goodyear’s digital devices revealed the presence of over 1,000 indecent images of children. While most of these images fell into the lowest category of severity, there were photographs classified across all five levels of seriousness. The images included photographs of young girls, some in underwear, with particular focus on their breast areas, indicating a disturbing pattern of sexual interest. Goodyear admitted to downloading these images and confessed that he viewed them for sexual gratification. He revealed that he accessed such material approximately five or six times weekly, having viewed an estimated 50,000 images, describing his boredom with more conventional pornography as a motivation.
Furthermore, the court heard that Goodyear had been secretly filming children at public events, capturing footage that included young girls under the age of ten. The footage reportedly focused on their underwear and breast areas, highlighting the predatory nature of his actions. The police investigation also uncovered a collection of children's clothing, including items suitable for very young children, which raised further concerns about his intentions.
During his interview with authorities, Goodyear admitted to viewing all the images for sexual pleasure. His lifestyle was described as solitary, with the court noting that his role as the full-time carer for his elderly and ill parents likely contributed to his limited social interactions. His father was reported to be on dialysis due to kidney failure, and his mother was described as being in poor health. The judge commented that if Goodyear had more opportunities for social engagement and healthier activities, his problematic behaviors might have been mitigated.
Judge Brian Lewis expressed his concern over the case, describing it as “a very worrying case.” He acknowledged that Goodyear had accepted he had a problem but questioned whether he truly understood the harm caused to the children depicted in the images. The judge emphasized that any child involved in such photographs was permanently marked and corrupted, especially when they are very young. He condemned the trade in such illicit images, which are circulated on the internet for the sexual gratification of individuals like Goodyear.
While acknowledging the gravity of the offenses, Judge Lewis decided to suspend a 12-month prison sentence for two years, considering the circumstances. He also placed Goodyear under supervision for two years, mandating attendance at an internet sex offenders program to help prevent future offenses. Additionally, Goodyear was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order restricts his internet use and bans him from possessing any recording devices at organized public events.
Prosecutor Harry Pepper detailed the extent of the police raid and subsequent findings, emphasizing the disturbing nature of Goodyear’s activities. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes. The community now awaits the full implications of the court’s ruling, which aims to protect vulnerable children from further harm.