United Kingdom: 7 Men Sentenced for Rape, Abuse of Children and Babies

The hearing, before Judge Julian Lambert, is expected to take two days, with the men expected to receive their sentences on Friday.

“What you did is contrary to all nature and humanity and you each appear to have a chilling tendency to centre the world on yourselves and your depraved desires without regard for the innocent and vulnerable”.

Matthew Stansfield, 35, who ran a child abuse chatroom, was found guilty of conspiring to rape the same boy in February 2014 when he went to Luton to abuse a baby – despite denying even going to the county.

Adam Toms admitted to drugging and raping a four year old child. Lisk was sentenced to seven years and Harsley two.

Christopher Knight, 35, from Manchester, was jailed for 18 years, with another six years on licence.

Three of the accused have been previously convicted sex offenders.

Hollyson claimed to have repeatedly raped a baby from the age of three months and filmed himself doing so between December 2013 and January 2014. Robin Hollyson pleaded to the rape of a baby.

“It’s hard to find the right words to describe this profoundly disturbing abuse but I hope today’s sentence will be of some very small comfort to the families of the children and sends a clear message to abusers and others tempted to become involved in this type of criminality”.

Some used drugs to sedate a boy to make him easier to abuse, they also photographed themselves in sickening positions with their victims. Photographs of this were shared online.

Mr Davies said the attacks were carefully planned, involving defendants driving hundreds of miles “all for the chance to perpetrate rape or cruel sexual indignities against a baby or a child”. Mr Davies said the impact on the victims and their families was “profound and long lasting”.

“This national investigation has now moved to an worldwide one and the NCA will continue to work with our partners, at home and overseas, to ensure those who abuse children are brought to justice”.

Toms’ confession led to his immediate arrest and information he provided prompted Avon and Somerset Constabulary to contact the National Crime Agency within 48 hours.

Police say they are still trying to identify some of the victims and have put measures in place to protect 24 at risk children.