Liverpool man jailed after NWROCU uncover extensive online child sexual abuse offending
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A Merseyside man has been jailed for a series of child sexual offences following an investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit's Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT).
Robert Daw, 26, of Redwing Lane, Liverpool, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court today (Tuesday 8 September) after admitting multiple offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children online. He also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
The investigation began after Daw used social media and messaging platforms to communicate with someone he believed to be under-16 years of age. During the conversations, he sent sexually explicit messages and attempted to develop a sexual relationship.
Officers arrested Daw in December 2024 and seized a number of electronic devices for forensic examination.
Digital forensic examination of Daw's devices uncovered indecent images of children, prohibited images of children, and evidence that he had been communicating with numerous children online. Investigators recovered almost 1,500 screenshots and screen recordings of online conversations, together with indecent images and videos that had been stored on his devices. Officers were able to identify and safeguard three children aged 12 and 13, with support provided through the relevant police forces and partner agencies.
Detective Constable Naomi Puig from the NWROCU's Internet Child Abuse Team, said:
"Daw used online platforms to target and exploit children for his own gratification.
"Through detailed digital investigations, officers uncovered the extent of his offending and were able to identify and safeguard a number of children.
"This sentence demonstrates our commitment to pursuing offenders who use the internet to target children and bringing them to justice."
The NWROCU continues to work with regional and national partners to identify offenders, safeguard children and prevent online child sexual abuse.
Anyone concerned about the online safety of a child can report concerns to police or via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Safety Centre at www.ceop.police.uk.