Four individuals have been sentenced after admitting sexual offending against children, with the ringleader receiving a 26-year custodial term at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, 13 February.
Elliot Jones, 49, formerly of Chantry Lane, Necton, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to 21 charges including sexual activity with a child and making indecent photographs of children. He received a total 34-year sentence comprising 26 years’ custody and an eight-year extended licence period following an investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime Team.
Judge Adam Feest described Jones as a “highly manipulative and exploitative individual”, stating the risk he poses to others “is of the highest order”.
The court heard Jones abused and encouraged the abuse of multiple children over several years across different parts of the country.
Sarah Johnson, 57, of Tintagel Close, Andover, pleaded guilty to 18 charges including taking and distributing indecent images of children. She received 11 years’ custody with a one-year extended licence period.
Heidi Ludbrook, 45, of Norman Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, admitted ten offences including causing a child to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photographs of a child. She was jailed for seven years.
Jones, Johnson and Ludbrook are subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and notification requirements.
Catarina Araujo, 46, of Limassol Road, Dereham, Norfolk, admitted two offences and received a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The abuse came to light when one victim reported it upon reaching adulthood, leading to the identification of further victims. Officers seized devices including phones, USB sticks and a hard drive containing numerous indecent images and videos evidencing the offending. Additional evidence was recovered from devices belonging to the other defendants.
Detective Sergeant Sam Grant of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime team said: “This is an appalling case. The offences spanned numerous years, with one common theme – Jones’ awful and manipulative behaviour.
“I want to commend the victims for the courage they have shown throughout this process. Their bravery in speaking to police has brought these four people to justice.
“We encourage anyone with concerns about this case to contact us on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.”
Alternatively, concerns can be reported via the online portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC24N01-PO1
Detective Sergeant Grant added: “We recognise not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about their experiences. Please be reassured there are other services offering specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.”
Support services for sexual abuse victims are available at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
Information about reporting and seeking support for child abuse is available at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/
Alternatively, contact Childline on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult affected, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
