Man who sexually abused two young children jailed

A man who sexually abused two children under the age of two has been jailed for 20 years. 

Danny Richards, 59, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, previously pleaded guilty to 10 offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13 and assault by penetration of a child.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court today, Friday 11 November.

During the police investigation, Richards’ electronic devices, including mobile phones, a laptop and memory sticks were seized and examined. Police discovered 224 indecent images of children on his mobile phone, including indecent images taken while he abused two young children.  A total of 4,558 indecent images of children were also found on two other devices.   

Richards claimed he had bought the laptop from someone on Facebook and that he was not aware of the images on the device. He later tried to suggest that someone had hacked his computer and downloaded the images. The evidence against him proved that this was a pack of lies made in a desperate attempt to avoid responsibility for his crimes.

Ashleigh Doy, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “Richards subjected two innocent children to the most sickening crimes, all for his own sexual gratification.

“We take offending of this nature incredibly seriously and worked closely with police colleagues to build a strong case.

“This resulted in an entirely evidence-led prosecution, meaning Richards pleaded guilty at an early stage in the face of the overwhelming case against him.

“Our joint working and early engagement with police meant the case was prosecuted swiftly, so that justice could be delivered for everyone who has been deeply affected by this case.

“We are committed to bringing people to justice for serious crimes such as this and hope today’s result sends a clear message to other perpetrators.”