Publication date:
A paedophile who used fake online identities to entrap and threaten children into engaging in sexual acts and sending him indecent images has been sentenced to a 27-year term at Downpatrick Crown Court.
Using the so-called ‘catfish’ method, David Andrews (55) from Belfast adopted fake online personas, including that of a teenage boy, to deceive and manipulate his victims. The victims, whom he contacted through social media platforms, were mostly young girls in Great Britain.
He had admitted 130 offences in relation to 46 children including causing a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, possessing and distributing indecent images, blackmail and disclosing private sexual photographs and film with intent to cause distress.
Separate to his online offending, he was also convicted of sexual offences including attempted rape involving a vulnerable adult.
Andrews must serve a minimum of 13 and a half years before he is eligible for parole.
The Head of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Serious Unit Catherine Kierans said: “Andrews is a dangerous and devious paedophile who abused young children and teenagers online. Using the ‘catfish’ method, he pretended to be a teenage boy aged 13 or 14 to target young girls on social media, manipulating and grooming his victims to gain their trust and affection.
“Still pretending to be a young boy, he demanded sexual images and videos from the girls, also sending indecent material to them and recording the abuse. When a girl refused to comply or became suspicious of him, he would become abusive or threaten to send her intimate pictures to her friends or share them on the internet. Andrews carried through on some of his vile threats to send explicit images to his victim’s contacts. On some occasions, he threatened the girls with violence.
“Andrews cowardly exploited the vulnerable. The children he targeted online were understandably deceived by the calculating methods of a practiced and callous sex offender.
“His actions caused great fear, distress and trauma to the victims, some of whom bravely raised the alarm, ultimately leading to the outcome today.
“In the course of the Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation, officers uncovered Andrews’ sexual abuse of an adult victim, which he has also been sentenced in relation to today.
“We worked closely with the PSNI, who carried out a robust investigation, working with other police services across the UK, to build this case against Andrews and secure a guilty plea.
“I want to pay tribute to the courage of his victims including those who were prepared to face Andrews down by giving evidence in court, had he not pleaded guilty.
“This case shows that we work closely with police to pursue and prosecute abusers, whatever methods they use, either offline or online, and wherever they operate.”
Ms Kierans warned all those who care for children and young people to be vigilant of the dangers posed by online predators.
“Child abusers will go wherever they can access children, in the online world and the physical world. This case underlines the need for parents and guardians to talk openly to the young people in their lives about these online dangers,” she said.
“If you are concerned about any activity, whether online or physical, towards a child, or a vulnerable adult, please report it to police.”
Ms Kierans also spoke directly to young people who may be victims of this type of online sexual abuse.
She said: “If you think you are being targeted in this way, you are not alone, and you are not to blame. Please reach out and speak to a trusted adult.”
Notes to editors
- All decisions by the PPS are taken strictly in accordance with the Test for Prosecution which involves two stages. The Test for Prosecution is met if, in relation to an identifiable suspect, the available evidence is sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of a conviction (the Evidential Test) and if prosecution is in the public interest (the Public Interest Test). The Evidential Test must be passed first before the Public Interest Test is considered. Further information can be found in the PPS Code for Prosecutors.
- The Police Service of Northern Ireland have more advice on keeping children safe online on their website.
- Media queries for the PPS should be referred to the Communications Unit by emailing ppspressoffice@ppsni.gov.uk inside office hours. The out of hours press officer can be contacted on 07920 271804, 07920 418844 or 07341 800254.