In 2021, the Offender Register confirmed that behind the password “I love little girls,” a paedophile, Andrew Tomson, from County Durham, concealed vile images on his phone.
Andrew Tomson, who listed a hostel address in Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street, also groomed a 13-year-old girl on the Talk With Stranger website before communicating with her via Snapchat.
He informed the youngster, who has complex needs, that he was a 17-year-old girl named Chloe and encouraged her to submit pictures and videos of herself performing sex acts.
The 37-year-old was under close police surveillance as a result of his prior offences, Durham Crown Court was informed.
He claimed that he had misplaced his phone during a visit to his residence on March 10. Police requested to inspect it.
He concealed it behind his back, but the police requested to inspect it. They found nine category A, five category B, and 36 category C indecent images of children.
Subsequently, officers discovered two additional devices that he had neglected to declare.
Using the passcode “I love little girls,” he unlocked one of the devices for the police during the interview.
An additional 85 indecent images and videos of minors were discovered on the phone.
Helen Towers, the prosecutor, informed the court that Tomson had also issued threats to the young girl and her family.
In mitigation, the court was informed that Tomson had entered a guilty plea to all offences during his initial appearance at the magistrates’ court.
Recorder of Sentencing Alistair MacDonald QC stated, “These are severe offences, and this is not the first time you have been in court for such offences.”
“You have been charged with three offences of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, including the possession of indecent images of children, the distribution of indecent images of children, and the most serious offence of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
“It is evident that the sentences that were previously imposed on you did not significantly alter your behaviour.”
Tomson received a six-year prison sentence with a four-year extension.
Additionally, he is required to pay a victim surcharge.
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