January 20, 2017 2.52 pm This story is over 85 months old

Cleethorpes man jailed after admitting attempted rape of toddler

A Cleethorpes man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting to a string of sexual offences against a girl under the age of two – including attempted rape. Callum Bedford, 28, of Lairgate Place, Cleethorpes, was identified as part of an international operation to root out and bring to justice those making…

A Cleethorpes man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting to a string of sexual offences against a girl under the age of two – including attempted rape.

Callum Bedford, 28, of Lairgate Place, Cleethorpes, was identified as part of an international operation to root out and bring to justice those making and distributing indecent images of children online.

He appeared before Grimsby Crown Court on January 20 for sentencing, after admitting that on or before September 6 last year he had:

  • Partaken in adult sexual activity with an 18-month-old girl
  • Attempted to rape a 20-month-old girl
  • Taken indecent photographs of a child (two counts relating to Category B and Category C images)
  • Distributed indecent photographs of a child (two counts relating to Category B and Category C images)
  • Been in possession of extreme pornographic material, featuring the abuse of animals
  • Made indecent images of children (two counts relating to 51 category B images and 69 category C images)

Bedford’s activities were first identified by the Canadian authorities after he shared the images via social media.

Their investigation was passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) in the UK.

Following Bedford’s sentencing, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “Bedford’s sickening abuse of a defenceless toddler shows he is clearly a serious danger to children.

“And by taking to social media to share disgusting child abuse images, he has fuelled the demand for this appalling material that causes untold damage to its victims.

“While Bedford was swiftly brought to justice, social network providers and other technology platforms must do more to keep children safe. They must realise that they are used to distribute online child sexual abuse images and make a serious commitment to tackling the problem.

“Anyone with concerns about a child’s welfare should call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000.”