Man jailed after befriending women on dating apps to sexually abuse children

A man who befriended women online to take part in sexual abuse against children has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Elliot Jones, 49, of Norfolk, previously pleaded guilty to 21 offences including sexual activity with children.

He also encouraged the women, from different parts of the country, to commit sexual offences against children.

The offending took place during a period of several years.

The horrific abuse first came to light when one victim reported the crimes after becoming an adult, while further victims were identified during follow-up queries.

During an examination of Jones’ devices, it became apparent that he was also targeting women online on dating apps, where he discussed sexually abusing children.

It became apparent that he had a clear strategy by entering into relationships with women he met online, before sharing sexual images and chats with them.

He would then push boundaries to move the conversation to sexual abuse against children.

If at any point the women questioned him, he immediately ended the conversation and moved onto speak to someone else.

Three women, who did not know each other, but all knew Jones, have also been jailed for their part in the abuse.

Sarah Johnson, 57 of Andover, has been jailed for 11 years, after admitting 18 charges, including sexual abuse against children, making and distributing indecent images of children.

Heidi Ludbrook, 45, of Norfolk, has been jailed for seven years, after admitting 10 offences, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photographs of a child.

Catarina Araujo, 46, of Norfolk, was sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence after admitting two offences of taking and distributing indecent images of children.

John Montague, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Elliot Jones is a dangerous sexual predator who tactically befriended women online to engage in discussions about child abuse for his own sexual gratification.

“His horrifying and persistent offending, enabled by the women he met online, resulted in profound and lasting harm to numerous children over many years.

“The overwhelming evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service was so compelling that Jones and the other defendants pleaded guilty to all the offences against them.

“All children have the right to be safe and protected, and we hope the sentences handed down today make clear that the CPS will pursue justice and prosecute anyone who seeks to sexually exploit them.”