WOODY SPENCER SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON IN EXETER FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ONLINE

An Exeter man, Woody Spencer, aged 34, has been sentenced to an extended term of 25 years after he streamed himself sexually abusing a child online. Spencer was arrested at his home on March 8 this year following information provided by the Australian Federal Police. The authorities uncovered evidence linking him to a video he uploaded that depicted child sexual abuse. At Exeter Crown Court, Judge James Adkin sentenced Spencer to 20 years in prison, with a further five years on licence to monitor his potential risk to the public. Judge Adkin described Spencer as an "exceptionally dangerous man" who remains a significant threat if released and stressed the importance of vigilant supervision for many years thereafter, calling him a "dangerous offender." The investigation was led by the National Crime Agency, and Spencer was convicted of multiple serious charges, including assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempted oral rape, exposure to sexual activities in the presence of a child, and the distribution of indecent images of children. His phone contained 163 indecent images, with 43 classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level. Further evidence revealed voyeurism offences against an 18-year-old woman, whom Spencer secretly recorded in the shower without her consent, a crime he previously admitted to. Defense lawyer Nigel Wraith acknowledged Spencer's admissions and highlighted his difficult upbringing and mental health issues. Holly Triggs from the NCA commented that the victims have been protected and are on a path to recovery thanks to a thorough investigation. She reaffirmed the NCA's ongoing dedication, alongside its partners, to fighting child sexual abuse worldwide and ensuring offenders are apprehended regardless of where they are.