A 'vile' paedophile has been jailed after arranging to watch a 12-year-old 'girl' being sexually abused live online.
Tony Bonner engaged in internet communication with someone who he believed had access to children overseas.
He was told he could watch them being sexually assaulted via live streaming, with the prospect of eventually meeting them himself.
What Bonner did not realise was that he was, in a reality, speaking to a police officer who was closing in on the defendant through their online investigation, in 2023.
A "strike" was planned, and Bonner was arrested by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), backed by Northumbria Police, in June 2024.
Officers seized electronic devices to further build evidence in the case and, on examination, discovered indecent photographs and videos of children.
Bonner was subsequently charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possession of indecent images of a child.
Faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, he eventually pleaded guilty to all charges.
The 62-year-old defendant, of Bruce Close, South Shields, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (Friday, April 17), where he was sentenced to four years in prison by Judge Tim Gittins.
He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “The vile actions of Bonner were clear and thanks to the dedicated work of officers he is now behind bars, facing the consequences of his actions.
“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.
“Support is available and you can help safeguard other vulnerable children.”
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Anyone with concerns about child abuse or wanting to report a crime, can do so by contacting their local police force via its website, or by calling 101.
The advice in an emergency is to always dial 999.
Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, via (0800) 555111.
