Dangerous child predator jailed

A Stockton-on-Tees man has been jailed after attempting to watch a live stream of a child being raped.

John McAdams, 65, has been handed a jail sentence by a Judge following a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) supported by East Regional Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

In September last year, McAdams, of Rollesby Way, Stockton-on-Tees, believed he was talking online to a man who had access to a 10-year-old girl.

McAdams arranged to watch the man rape the 10-year-old child over an online live stream but swiftly found himself in handcuffs instead.

McAdams was arrested at his home address and had a number of his devices seized as part of the investigation which led to the discovery of indecent images of both children and animals on.

He was ultimately charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence, attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child, making and distributing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme/indecent images of animals.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges at Teesside Crown Court on January 5.

Today (Monday), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to a six year prison sentence and a 15 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Grace Wass, said: “McAdams pleaded guilty to his vile actions thanks to the hard work of officers whose tireless efforts to build a strong evidence case file has paid off.

“I want to thank everyone who worked on this investigation, including our colleagues at ERSOU, everyone’s efforts have ensured a dangerous predator is now behind bars.

“Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.”

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.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.