PAUL WALLIS FROM CRAWLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY

A man identified as Paul Wallis, with ties to Crawley, has been handed a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious offences related to child exploitation and the possession of extreme pornography. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat online child abuse and protect vulnerable victims.

Wallis, aged 44, was convicted of attempting to facilitate the sexual assault of a young girl known to him. The investigation revealed that he had engaged in online communications with another individual who was also a known paedophile. These conversations took place in the digital realm, with Wallis actively seeking to arrange a meeting in Crawley for the purpose of committing sexual abuse against a minor. The details of these chats were uncovered by police officers from Sussex Police’s Online Child Abuse team, who had been monitoring online activity as part of their broader efforts to combat child exploitation.

In addition to the online communication, authorities discovered that Wallis possessed a disturbing collection of indecent images of children. His digital devices contained a range of material classified from Category A to Category C, depicting sexual abuse involving minors. Furthermore, investigators found that he had in his possession extreme pornographic images, including those showing adult sexual activity with animals, which is considered highly illegal and morally reprehensible.

The case came before Lewes Crown Court on February 24, where Wallis appeared to face the charges. During the proceedings, he initially maintained a stance of denial but later changed his plea to guilty on multiple counts. These included 12 charges in total, encompassing the facilitation of a child sex offence, possession of extreme pornography, making indecent images of children, and distributing such images.

Wallis, who was formerly residing at an address in Crawley, admitted to two counts of possessing extreme pornographic images, eight counts of creating indecent images of children, and one count of distributing such images. His guilty plea was a significant development in the case, reflecting his acknowledgment of the severity of his actions.

Following the conviction, the court sentenced Wallis to a total of eleven years in prison. An additional eight-year extension was imposed, bringing the overall custodial period to 19 years. This lengthy sentence underscores the gravity of his offences and the importance of safeguarding children from individuals like him.

In addition to the prison term, the court issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This legal measure aims to restrict Wallis’s access to children and prevent any future attempts at exploitation once he is released from incarceration. The order is a crucial part of ongoing efforts to monitor and control individuals convicted of such serious offences, ensuring the safety of the community in Crawley and beyond.