Sexual predator sentenced

A sexual predator who arranged to sexually abuse two children has been sentenced.

Anthony Crozier, 54, has been sentenced to jail time after he spoke to someone online he believed had access to two children for him to abuse.

However, what he didn’t know was that he was actually speaking to an investigating officer and thanks to the efforts of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), Crozier was arrested on July 29 and subsequently charged.

Crozier had believed he had been speaking with another like-minded man who had access to a 7-year-old girl and young son. He sent sexually explicit messages including describing how he wanted to sexually abuse the children.

Thankfully officers acted quickly, and following the investigation, Crozier appeared at Durham Crown Court on August 29 and pleaded guilty to Commission of a Child Sex Offence.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Crozier, of Rutland Street, Seaham, appeared before Teesside Crown Court and was sentenced to jailed for six years with a further two years on extended licence. A sexual harm prevention order was also made and Crozier will have to sign the sex offender register for life.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said: “This has been an excellent example of our dedication to protect those vulnerable and at risk in our communities.

“It’s also been a great display of the strong partnership working we have across the ROCU network and the resources at our disposal to pursue offenders like Crozier – and our work will continue.”

Detective Superintendent Al Burns, of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Our team of online investigators work tirelessly to ensure that predators like Anthony Crozier are identified to ensure that they cannot pose a threat to children.

“I’m pleased that by working alongside NEROCU we have been able to demonstrate the strength in partnership working and bring Crozier to justice.” 

If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.