STEVE HORTON, ARCHIBALD WOOD, AND MONICA McCANCH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN FLEET, KELMSLEY, AND TAVISTOCK
| Red Rose Database
Fleet Tavistock Kelmsley Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across Hampshire, Devon, and Kent, three individuals have been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes involving the abuse of two children during a six-hour sexual orgy arranged over the internet. The incident, which took place in June 2005 at a private residence in Fleet, Hampshire, has brought to light the disturbing extent of online-enabled child exploitation.
Archibald Wood, a 60-year-old former Liberal Democrat activist from Tavistock, Devon, received a prison sentence of seven years after pleading guilty to multiple charges. Wood, who was also a school governor at the time of the offences, was described by the presiding judge as having 'fallen from a great height' due to his previous standing in the community. The court heard that Wood had engaged in a series of sexual offences, with the prosecution requesting that an additional 17 charges be considered in sentencing.
Monica McCanch, aged 55 and originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, was sentenced to six years in prison. The court was informed that McCanch, a church-going woman, had a complex personal history marked by traumatic experiences in her twenties. Prosecutors revealed that she had written five suicide notes, which were discovered in her luggage when she was arrested at Heathrow Airport after voluntarily returning from Jamaica at the end of last year. The judge acknowledged her background, stating that she had been a victim of significant sexual and physical abuse both as a child and as an adult, but emphasized that such victimization did not justify her actions.
Steven Horton, a 44-year-old man from Kemsley in Kent, was handed an indeterminate prison sentence but was told he would serve a minimum of five and a half years. Horton’s case was particularly severe, as he was found to have abused the children on his own on separate occasions, apart from the group activities. The investigation, led by Kent Police, uncovered that Horton had communicated with Wood over the internet before taking a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl to the Fleet property. Horton’s actions were described by the judge as highly planned and indicative of a high degree of criminality.
During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Carey condemned the actions of all three individuals, stating that they 'indulged themselves in their sexual perversions.' He highlighted Horton’s central role in the criminal activity, noting the aggravating factors involved in his case. The judge also addressed each defendant individually, emphasizing the gravity of their crimes and the betrayal of trust involved.
Defense lawyers for the accused attempted to mitigate their clients’ culpability. Oliver Saxby, representing Horton, stated that his client had gone through a process of remorse, feeling 'utter horror' and shame for his actions. Meanwhile, Ali Rafati, defending Wood, acknowledged that his arrest had brought 'great shame' to his family, but noted that Wood’s wife remained supportive despite the circumstances.
Throughout the proceedings, the court was informed of the profound impact of these crimes on the victims. Acting Detective Sergeant Dave Shipley of Kent Police expressed hope that the sentences would bring some measure of closure for the children involved. He praised their bravery in cooperating with authorities and providing crucial evidence that led to the convictions.
Overall, the case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat child exploitation. The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness with which the justice system views such crimes, aiming to protect vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable.
Archibald Wood, a 60-year-old former Liberal Democrat activist from Tavistock, Devon, received a prison sentence of seven years after pleading guilty to multiple charges. Wood, who was also a school governor at the time of the offences, was described by the presiding judge as having 'fallen from a great height' due to his previous standing in the community. The court heard that Wood had engaged in a series of sexual offences, with the prosecution requesting that an additional 17 charges be considered in sentencing.
Monica McCanch, aged 55 and originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, was sentenced to six years in prison. The court was informed that McCanch, a church-going woman, had a complex personal history marked by traumatic experiences in her twenties. Prosecutors revealed that she had written five suicide notes, which were discovered in her luggage when she was arrested at Heathrow Airport after voluntarily returning from Jamaica at the end of last year. The judge acknowledged her background, stating that she had been a victim of significant sexual and physical abuse both as a child and as an adult, but emphasized that such victimization did not justify her actions.
Steven Horton, a 44-year-old man from Kemsley in Kent, was handed an indeterminate prison sentence but was told he would serve a minimum of five and a half years. Horton’s case was particularly severe, as he was found to have abused the children on his own on separate occasions, apart from the group activities. The investigation, led by Kent Police, uncovered that Horton had communicated with Wood over the internet before taking a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl to the Fleet property. Horton’s actions were described by the judge as highly planned and indicative of a high degree of criminality.
During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Carey condemned the actions of all three individuals, stating that they 'indulged themselves in their sexual perversions.' He highlighted Horton’s central role in the criminal activity, noting the aggravating factors involved in his case. The judge also addressed each defendant individually, emphasizing the gravity of their crimes and the betrayal of trust involved.
Defense lawyers for the accused attempted to mitigate their clients’ culpability. Oliver Saxby, representing Horton, stated that his client had gone through a process of remorse, feeling 'utter horror' and shame for his actions. Meanwhile, Ali Rafati, defending Wood, acknowledged that his arrest had brought 'great shame' to his family, but noted that Wood’s wife remained supportive despite the circumstances.
Throughout the proceedings, the court was informed of the profound impact of these crimes on the victims. Acting Detective Sergeant Dave Shipley of Kent Police expressed hope that the sentences would bring some measure of closure for the children involved. He praised their bravery in cooperating with authorities and providing crucial evidence that led to the convictions.
Overall, the case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat child exploitation. The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness with which the justice system views such crimes, aiming to protect vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable.