Robert Daw has admitted trying to engage children in sexual activity, after messaging them online
Three vulnerable children have identified by police, after a man with hundreds of indecent images was jailed.
Robert Daw is now behind bars, after admitting multiple offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children online.
An investigation was launched into the 26-year-old after he used social media and messaging platform to communicate with someone he believed was a child. During the conversations, Daw sent sexually explicit messages and attempted to develop a sexual relationship, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Officers arrested Daw in December 2024 and seized a number of electronic devices for forensic examination. The team looking at his devices found 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.
Daw, of Redwing Lane, Gateacre, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court where he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years. He also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
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Detective Constable Naomi Puig from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit’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.”
A spokesperson for the organised crime unit said: “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.”
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