Locations
Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38
Description
He came to police attention after using an online account discuss child abuse.
An Isle of Wight man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child and being found in possession of thousands of indecent images.
Michael Anthony Henderson, 32, of Ventnor, was found with a number of indecent images on his devices after a police investigation.
Appearing at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (January 15), Mr Henderson was jailed for ten years.
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He came to police attention when they identified accounts he was using to discuss child abuse on online forums.
The Internet Child Abuse Team for Hampshire Constabulary then carried out an investigation which led to the seizure of laptops, phones and a kindle.
The court heard that the investigation found a large number of indecent images on Henderson's devices, many of which had been accessed on the internet. Among the images were a number that showed Henderson engaging in the sexual abuse of a child.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they identified the victim and provided support to them and their family.
Henderson was charged with four counts of sexual assault on a child, five of taking indecent images of a child, three of distribution of indecent images, four of possession of indecent images, one of possession of prohibited images of children and one of possession of extreme pornography.
He pleaded guilty to the three counts of distribution of indecent images, four of possession of indecent images, one of possession of prohibited images of children and one of possession of extreme pornography.
After a trial, the 32-year-old was convicted of the four counts of sexual assault on a child and five of taking indecent images of a child.
Investigating officer DS Claire Lyons said: "The images found on Henderson’s devices are unquestionably amongst the worst I have seen while working within the Internet Child Abuse Team, and this sentence takes a dangerous offender off the streets.
"The sexual abuse of children causes unfathomable damage, and I hope that this sentence provides some justice for the victim and their family, who will continue to receive support from partner services.
"We take all reports of sexual assault extremely seriously, and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.
"It is so important to us that people have the confidence to report these incidents to us, whether they have happened to you or somebody you know.
"It is also important to us that survivors and their families are provided with the support they need, and we work in partnership with other organisations to ensure this happens."