24/09/2010

Social-Networking Child Abuse Postman Jailed

A postman, who used Facebook and Bebo websites to abuse children, has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

Michael Williams, 29, from Cornwall admitted grooming and distributing indecent images, while asking some to perform sex acts over a webcam. He arranged to meet others before abusing them.

The abuse took place between 2004 and 2009.

Williams, admitted 27 charges and pleaded guilty to voyeurism and possessing indecent images.

He was described by Devon and Cornwall Police as a "predatory, manipulative and prolific offender".

So far around 500 victims have been identified, but police believe there could be up to 1,000 youngsters involved, many who have not come forward.

Williams targeted youngsters he met on his post round, on school runs as a taxi driver, and in his role as secretary of Falmouth Town Football Club.

He encouraged victims to meet him in at his home, and in local parks and beaches.

(BMcN/GK)

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