Gang of Paedophiles who Streamed Over the Internet are Facing Lengthy Prison Sentences

A gang of paedophiles preyed on the families of the youngsters they targeted, in one case grooming a mother and father.

Members would often travel long distances to carry out the sickening attacks together or watch the abuse over the internet if only one had access to a victim.



Seven men – aged between 30 and 51 and including three convicted offenders – were brought to justice following an investigation led by the National Crime Agency.



John Denham, 49, from Wiltshire, and Matthew Stansfield, 34, from Hampshire, ended at Bristol Crown Court with their convictions.



The others – Robin Hollyson, 30, from Bedfordshire; Christopher Knight, 35, from Manchester; Adam Toms, 33, from Somerset; David Harsley, 51, from Humberside and Matthew Lisk, 32, from East Sussex – had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges they faced.



Police described the men as ‘monsters in disguise’, working together to commit crime.



The NCA, which led the investigation, said the perverts met after discussing their interests on legitimate social media



The gang was described as ‘incredibly skilled’ at grooming victims’ families, even striking up relationships with pregnant women



The men, who did not know each other outside of their involvement in the abuse, led respectable lives – including a married former actor and a businessman – and concealed their activities from the outside world until they were unmasked.



The NCA has worked closely with the Avon and Somerset, Bedfordshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Humberside, Wiltshire and Sussex forces, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service and nine local authorities.