PATRICK BYFORD FROM AXMINSTER ADMITS TO UNDERAGE SEX AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY IN EAST DEVON

In a case that has drawn significant attention in East Devon, Patrick Byford, a 19-year-old resident of Axminster, has admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor and possessing illegal animal pornography on his personal computer. The proceedings took place at Exeter Crown Court, where the judge ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service to determine the appropriate sentencing next month.

Byford was granted bail and released to an alternative address within East Devon while awaiting sentencing. His plea included an admission to having sexual relations with a girl aged 15, which constitutes statutory rape given his age at the time of the incident. The court also heard that he possessed extreme images, specifically animal pornography, which he acknowledged having on his computer. However, the prosecution decided not to pursue four additional charges related to possessing indecent images, as they deemed it not in the public interest to do so. These charges were ordered to be left on file, meaning they remain part of the case record but are not actively prosecuted at this stage.

During the hearing, Byford maintained a plea of not guilty to the four additional charges, claiming that someone else had used his computer to access and download the illegal images without his knowledge. Prosecutor Emily Pitts clarified that the Crown accepted his explanation regarding the possession of extreme images, asserting that he claimed someone else had downloaded them and that he left them on his device despite being aware of their nature.

Regarding the sexual activity charge, Ms. Pitts confirmed that Byford pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time, while he was 19. This act constitutes a serious criminal offence, and the court will consider the appropriate punishment at the upcoming sentencing hearing. The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal activities involving minors and animal pornography, emphasizing the importance of legal action and community safety in East Devon and beyond.