PETER BOOTH OF LLANDUDNO SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Llandudno, Peter Booth, a 74-year-old resident of St Andrew's Avenue, was sentenced to over seven years in prison after admitting to heinous crimes involving the online sexual exploitation of minors in the Philippines. The offences, which came to light following a police investigation, included paying to view live abuse of young girls via Skype, possessing indecent images of children, and distributing such material.

Booth's arrest in March of the previous year was triggered by police discovering that indecent images of children were being uploaded from his residence. Authorities executed a search warrant at his home, seized multiple electronic devices, and subsequently detained him for questioning. During interviews, Booth admitted to having viewed indecent images of children but claimed he did not possess any himself. However, forensic analysis revealed over 500 indecent images stored across his laptop and mobile phone.

Further evidence uncovered two videos on Booth’s mobile device, in which he was seen masturbating while watching online abuse of two girls, aged six and nine, in the Philippines. These videos were part of a disturbing 13-minute clip depicting the abuse, which Booth had paid to access. Court proceedings revealed that Booth was actively involved in the abuse, not merely a viewer, as he had paid for access and was recorded directing the events.

Investigations also disclosed that Booth had made approximately 250 financial transactions to eight recipients in the Philippines between September 2015 and June of the following year, totaling nearly £20,000. This pattern of payments indicated a sustained and deliberate engagement with the abuse network.

During the sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Timothy Petts condemned Booth’s actions as “absolutely horrific,” emphasizing that such crimes were committed solely for his perverted gratification. The judge highlighted that Booth’s conduct extended beyond viewing, involving the collection and sharing of child abuse images, which compounded the severity of his offences. Despite being married and having no prior convictions, Booth’s family had disowned him, with only his sister remaining supportive.

Booth, who was reported to be in poor health, showed no visible emotion as he was led away to serve his sentence. The court also ordered the confiscation of his electronic devices and mandated that he be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Additionally, he will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards stated that police became aware of Booth’s activities after discovering the upload of indecent images from his address. The investigation revealed that Booth had watched live abuse in the Philippines, paid for access, and actively participated in the online exploitation. His actions have been described as “disgusting to all right-minded individuals,” and the court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes. Following his arrest, Booth attempted to take his own life, underscoring the profound impact of his actions.

Booth’s sentencing is scheduled for next month, but until then, his details will remain on the sex offenders register, and he will be closely monitored by the Probation Service. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against online child exploitation and the importance of rigorous law enforcement in tackling such heinous crimes.