A creator of an online child sexual abuse group has been jailed for multiple offences

Press Release CPS

A creator of a private online group which was set up exclusively for the sexual exploitation of children has been jailed today (31 October).

Michael Clennell, 46, has been sentenced to a total of 9.5 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court for multiple counts of child abuse including the facilitation of the sexual exploitation of children, participation in an organised crime group and the making, possession, and distribution of indecent images of children after pleading guilty to these offences. He was also given six years on extended licence.

This prosecution came after an NCA investigation into Clennell, who is responsible for the creation and moderation of a private online group in which the sexual abuse of children is openly discussed, and indecent images of children are circulated, including those of a 16-year-old girl he had travelled to Germany to meet.  Clennell had further participated in another similar online group in which amongst other activity members discussed techniques on how to groom victims, which the evidence revealed he had put into practise.

Robbie Weber, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Michael Clennell had further participated in another similar online group in which amongst other activity members discussed techniques on how to groom victims, which the evidence revealed he had put into practice.

“The CPS is determined to tackle child sexual abuse in all its forms and to help stop the devastating impact of these crimes on victims.

“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.”

To deal with some of the more complex and challenging child sexual abuse cases like this, the CPS has established a dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to share specialist understanding, build strong cases and increase the amount of successful prosecutions.
 

Nodiadau i olygyddion

  • Robbie Weber is a Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS Serious Economic and Organised Crime International Directorate (SEOCID)
  • Michael Clennell (DOB: 07/12/1978) from Essex, pleaded guilty to 15 counts including those of making indecent photographs of children, facilitating sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual communication with a child, possession of prohibited images of children, possessing an extreme pornographic image, participation in an organised crime group, and distributing indecent photographs of children at Snaresbrook  Crown Court.
  • A complainant has the right to anonymity under section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992
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