In 2026, the Offender Database reported that John McAdams, then 65, of Rollesby Way, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, was sentenced to six years in prison. On Monday, 2 February 2026, McAdams appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing following a complex undercover operation that intercepted his attempt to view the live-streamed rape of a child.
The investigation established that in September 2025, McAdams used the internet to communicate with an individual he believed had access to a 10-year-old girl. During these interactions, McAdams arranged to pay for and watch a live stream of the child being raped. However, the person he was communicating with was an undercover officer. McAdams was arrested at his home by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that upon his arrest, police seized several digital devices which contained a stash of indecent images depicting both children and animals. The prosecution emphasised that McAdams’ willingness to facilitate and view the extreme abuse of a young child demonstrated a predatory nature that required significant intervention. On 5 January 2026, McAdams pleaded guilty to all charges, including arranging the commission of a child sex offence and making indecent images.
Detective Constable Grace Wass emphasised that the tireless efforts of the regional units under Operation Sentinel ensured this dangerous predator was brought to justice. The judge emphasised that the severity of the case, particularly the attempt to view a live sexual assault, necessitated a substantial custodial sentence to protect the public and safeguard children. For his crimes in Stockton-on-Tees, the court determined that McAdams posed a long-term risk that justified the imposition of a 15-year conduct order.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in County Durham, John McAdams was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Six years in immediate custody.
- SHPO: A 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Arranging the commission of a child sex offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, making/distributing indecent images of children, and possessing indecent images of animals.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McAdams is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cleveland Police. His history of seeking out live-streamed abuse and possessing extreme material means he remains under the highest level of scrutiny by authorities in Stockton-on-Tees.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, McAdams must comply with stringent notification requirements regarding his residence in Rollesby Way, Stockton-on-Tees. Authorities state that his 15-year SHPO is a vital tool for the Public Protection Unit to monitor his internet usage and prevent him from accessing online platforms used for exploitation. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms following his release from prison will result in his immediate arrest and return to Teesside Crown Court.
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