Police have welcomed the sentence of a “voracious” paedophile who preyed on impoverished Filipino families via the internet.
Timothy Ford, aged 52, was yesterday sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to 23 charges of various sexual offences.
He must serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence before he can apply for parole.
Ford must then satisfy the parole board that he is no longer a danger to the public and would then have to serve an extended six years on license.
Detective Constable Eleri Neale, said: “I am satisfied with today’s sentence, which comes at the end of a long and protracted investigation into the illegal activities of Timothy Ford.
“The depth and breadth of his actions, demonstrated by the 23 serious charges he pleaded guilty to, clearly reveal that this man is a predatory child sex offender.
“Ford had the means to carry out a plan which was to use a property in the Philippines as a base for criminals to sexually abuse children. He is a voracious sex offender who has showed no remorse for his actions.”
Ford, of Burghley Street, Kettering, admitted paying a family in the Philippines in exchange for “sex shows” involving the families children, who were boys as young as six.
“The investigation of any child sexual abuse case isn’t an easy job but, for the victims, the effects stay with them for a lifetime.
“That is why it is imperative that everyone understands they have a responsibility to report any fears or concerns they have about child abuse to the Police.
“The force works closely with partner agencies to investigate child sexual abuse and anybody involved in this kind of activity should wait for a knock at their door; the only people more relentless than sex offenders are those that investigate them.
“There is help and advice available from the Stop It Now website for anyone concerned about possible abuse. Log on to www.stopitnow.org.uk for further information.”