By Grâçia Ada Obi
A man from Exeter posted videos of himself sexually assaulting a young girl online. Woody Spencer, 34, has been convicted of a number of alleged offences after being arrested at his home on March 8 this year.
The United Kingdom (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) received information from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) relating to a video posted online of child sexual abuse. Investigators were then able to identify Spencer as the suspect despite his attempts to hide his identity in the video.
His phone was found to contain 163 indecent images of children. Forty-three of these were category A (the most serious) with 50 at category B and 70 at category C.
Meanwhile, other evidence was found relating to voyeurism offences against an 18-year-old woman, who Spencer had covertly recorded without permission whilst she was in the shower. He admitted this offence at an earlier date.
Spender was found guilty of numerous offences at Exeter Crown Court today (30 October) 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, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to watch sexual activity, indecent image of children offences (making and distributing).
He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 29 November.
NCA Operations Manager Holly Triggs said: “The victims in this case have been subjected to horrific sexual abuse, for the sexual gratification of Woody Spencer and others online. Due to the dedicated work from all officers in this case, they have now been safeguarded and can start the road to recovery.
“Tackling this global threat remains a priority for the NCA and our partners. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect those affected by child sexual abuse and stop offenders who pose a sexual threat to children, no matter where in the world they are.”