Man from Lancashire jailed for child sex offences

A man from Lancashire has been jailed for online child sex offences.

Robert Metcalfe, 67, from Cowgill Street, Barnoldswick appeared at Burnley Crown Court on Tuesday 29 April where he was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months after pleading guilty to two counts of arranging the commission of child sex offences.

Metcalfe was arrested after detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) gathered evidence that showed he had interacted with a female online and made arrangements to sexually abuse her two children.

During the online chat, he described in graphic detail how he would like to abuse her children as well as sending explicit videos depicting the acts he intended to carry out.

Metcalfe was given a life Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Registered Sex Offender notification.

Detective Constable Tristan Farley from the NWROCU said:

“Metcalfe is undoubtedly a sexual predator who actively sought out young vulnerable children to abuse with no regard for the effects this would have had on his victims.

“I hope this conviction will act as a reminder that there are no borders when it comes to sexual abuse, it can happen anywhere, and the impact is devastating.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police”

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
Childline – call 0800 1111

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.