NICOLAS MOY CAUGHT IN COTTINGHAM FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION AND VOYEURISM CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cottingham, Nicolas Moy, a 48-year-old man, was found guilty of multiple serious offenses related to child exploitation, voyeurism, and the production of indecent images. The case came to light after Moy engaged in online conversations with what he believed to be a 12-year-old boy, but was actually an undercover police officer posing as a minor.

It was August 2019 when Moy first interacted with the officer, who had assumed the identity of a young boy named Jacob. From the outset, Moy was aware that he was communicating with law enforcement but continued his illicit exchanges. During these conversations, he asked invasive questions about the child's personal details, such as whether he had any hair down there, if he had seen other children naked, and whether he had engaged in any sexual activity. Moy's disturbing inquiries extended to requesting explicit photos, with him urging the supposed child to send more revealing images and even asking for the underwear to be pulled further down.

The police investigation revealed that Moy had a history of engaging in voyeuristic activities. He admitted to fellow paedophiles that he had secretly filmed a woman taking a shower, an act that he carried out without her knowledge. He also confessed to masturbating in a child's bedroom, further illustrating his predatory behavior. These revelations prompted a police raid on his home in Cottingham on October 14 of the previous year.

During the search, officers discovered a disturbing collection of digital material. On Moy’s laptop, they found 25 indecent images, including some depicting children as young as three to five years old involved in sexual activities, classified as Category A images. Additional images were located on his iPhone, stored within a secure, password-protected app called My Disk, which is designed to keep files private. Prosecuting barrister Dale Brook described the material as involving children aged between ten and thirteen, with some images explicitly depicting sexual acts.

Further examination of Moy’s devices uncovered conversations with other users about spying on a girl and masturbating while watching her, including in her own bedroom. The evidence also included videos and photographs of a woman undressing and showering, captured without her knowledge, which left her feeling disgusted, upset, and betrayed. The breach of her trust was a significant aspect of the case.

Throughout the investigation, Moy maintained silence when questioned by police, answering “no comment” to all inquiries. Nevertheless, he appeared before Hull Crown Court on July 9 to face sentencing for multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images of children, voyeurism, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor.

In a sentencing decision that reflects the gravity of his crimes, Moy was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and is required to register as a sex offender for the same period. The court’s ruling aims to protect the community and prevent Moy from reoffending in the future, but the case leaves a lasting scar on the victims and the residents of Cottingham.