Man who livestreamed child sex assault jailed

Spencer was sentenced to 20 years in jail with a five year extended sentence on Thursday

A man has been sentenced to up to 25 years in jail after livestreaming himself on the dark web sexually assaulting a young girl.

Woody Spencer, 34, was given 20 years in prison and a five year extended sentence at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday.

Spencer was arrested at his home on Hexworthy Avenue, Exeter, in March after the Australian Federal Police alerted the National Crime Agency (NCA) to the video, and he was identified as a UK national.

During the hearing, Judge James Adkin said Spencer "knew [his actions] were utterly revolting and contemptible".

Spencer's phone contained 163 indecent images of children.

Forty-three of these were category A, the most serious, with 50 at category B and 70 at category C.

Spencer was previously found guilty of numerous offences including assault of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempted rape, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to watch sexual activity and making and distributing indecent images of children.

He was also found guilty on an earlier date of voyeurism offences against an 18-year-old woman, who he had covertly recorded without permission whilst she was in the shower.

'Degradation and humiliation'

Prosecuting, Emily Pitts said it had been a "difficult case for all".

She said the video was "now available worldwide and that factor adds to the degradation and humiliation" of the victim.

She continued: "This is going to be hanging over her all of her life.

"Once a video is out there it's always out there."

Ms Pitts said even though he had pixilated his face, the NCA had identified Spencer through examining the video and identifying the room he was in and his tattoos.

Defending, Nigel Wraith said there had been "no evidence of severe psychological harm" on the victim.

He added Spencer had no previous sexual offence convictions, and it was a "positive first step" for him to admit his actions.

'Exceptionally dangerous man'

Summing up, Judge Adkin described the nature of the case as "repugnant".

He described Spencer as "an exceptionally dangerous man" and the video would remain "on the world wide web indefinitely".

He said: "Little wonder you didn't have the courage to go into the court and face a jury, you knew it was utterly revolting and contemptible."

Following the sentencing, NCA operations manager Holly Triggs said the victims in the case "suffered the most abhorrent sexual abuse, purely for his sexual gratification and others like him online".

She added: “We will continue to protect the victims of these crimes and prevent offenders like Spencer from causing harm.”

Spencer will spend 13 years in jail before he is eligible to apply for parole.

He will also remain on the sex offenders register for life.