Four sentenced after admitting sexual offending against children

A ‘highly manipulative and exploitative’ man has been jailed for 26 years after admitting sexual offences against children.

Three women were also sentenced at a hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 13 February.

The sentences came following an investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime Team.

Elliot Jones, 49, formerly of Chantry Lane, Necton, Norfolk, had previously admitted 21 charges, which included sexual activity with a child and making indecent photographs of children.

The court heard that Jones abused and encouraged the abuse of a number of children over a period of years, and that the offending took place in different parts of the country.

Jones was given a total sentence of 34 years, which consisted of a custodial sentence of 26 years, with an extended licence period of eight years.

In sentencing Jones, Judge Adam Feest called him a ‘highly manipulative and exploitative individual’. He added that the risk Jones presents to others ‘is of the highest order’.

Sarah Johnson, 57, of Tintagel Close, Andover, had admitted 18 charges, including taking indecent images of children and distributing them.

She was jailed for 11 years, with an extended licence period of one year.

Heidi Ludbrook, 45, of Norman Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, admitted ten offences, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photographs of a child.

She was jailed for seven years.

Jones, Johnson and Ludbrook are to be made subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and notification requirements, the court heard.

Catarina Araujo, 46, of Limassol Road, Dereham, Norfolk, was sentenced after admitting two offences.

She was given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The abuse was reported by one of the victims when he became an adult, and enquiries identified further victims. A large number of indecent images and videos of children which evidenced the offending were also found on devices seized when Jones was arrested, including phones, USB sticks and a hard drive.

Other evidence of offending was found on devices belonging to the other defendants.

Detective Sergeant Sam Grant, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime team, said: “This is an appalling case. The offences spanned a number of years, and had one common theme – Jones’ awful and manipulative behaviour.

“I want to commend the victims for the courage they have shown throughout this process and talking to the police about what happened. Their bravery and telling us what happened to them has brought these four people to justice.

“We want to encourage anyone who has concerns about this particular case to contact us on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

“Alternatively, you can also do that by visiting this online portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC24N01-PO1

“We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.”

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

You can also find out more about how to report, and seek support for child abuse here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.