ISLAND businessman Peter Tomlinson was found to pose a high risk of harm to children when assessed by the probation service before being sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Tomlinson, who ran a child play area and a business which facilitated school trips to the Island, admitted 20 counts relating to child sex abuse offences and appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court yesterday, where a member of the public shouted "scumbag" as Tomlinson was sent down.

In short, the offences related to paying to watch live-streamed child sex abuse, which he described as 'shows', from the Philippines. He directed what he wanted to see, pushing the for 'harder' abuse of the children.

There were many victims. One was a mother, abusing her children. One was a grandmother offering up a granddaughter, and another woman offered access to her neighbour's children.

Read about the case here

Here we look at the sentencing.

What did Judge David Melville say in court?

Judge Melville described Tomlinson as both depraved and dangerous and said the paedophile had derived significant sexual gratification from his crimes.

He said: "The thought of such activity is sickening to decent people. The idea a mother could be persuaded to do this to her children is appalling to right-thinking people and was doubtless brought on by the destitution of the people you were transferring what was in your life very modest sums of money but to them it was considerable sums of money.

"You represent as a very dangerous person as far as young girls are concerned."

What were the aggravating factors to consider?

  • The Judge had to consider that Tomlinson's behaviour was sustained, over several years, since 2017. The abuse of the same child was sustained over two to three years
  • There was a large number of different victims.
  • He encouraged a mother to abuse her own children and caused the children to abuse themselves.
  • He worked with others to commit the offences
  • Two children were abused together.
  • The children were vulnerable as they were being abused in their own home, by someone who should have been looking after them.
  • There was an element of commercial exploitation
  • Disparity in age between offender and victims

What credit did Tomlinson get?

Tomlinson pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to all the crimes, so he was awarded a third off his prison sentence. Nine year sentences were reduced to six years, for example (see below).

It was also noted he was a man of previous good character with no offences to his name, and letters of support were handed to the judge to consider.

He was also said to have shown remorse.

What was the sentence?

There were 20 counts, with jail terms awarded for each one, ranging from nine months to nine years.

Judge Melville outlined what he considered to be a fair sentence for each count, and had to discount a third from each, for the guilty pleas.

The Judge cannot simply add them up — but uses 'totality' by taking a view of what would be a fair sentence as a whole.

He decided three sentences of six years should run consecutively, making 18 years. All the other jail terms will run concurrently.

After completion of his prison sentence, Tomlinson must serve a five-year extended period of licence when he will be supervised.

He must also pay £1,800 court costs and a victim surcharge.

He will be on the Sexual Offenders' Register for life.

What did the National Crime Agency say?

NCA operations manager Phil Eccles said after the case: “Peter Tomlinson believed he could carry out his sickening offences from the comfort of his own home and get away with it.

“He was directly responsible for the most heinous abuse of children thousands of miles away from him.

“Live-streaming sex crimes exploits the vulnerable — he was helped in this case by facilitators whose motive is to make money.

“Live-streaming is a key threat to the UK, and one of the main forms of financially-driven offending, for which the Philippines remains a key hub.

“The NCA does important work with international law enforcement partners in the Philippines to combat these sorts of crimes.

“Anyone like Tomlinson should know that the NCA and UK police will never give up our pursuit of offenders who commit these horrific crimes.”

Child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also runs the Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children.

Go to www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk