ADAM TANNER POLE LIFE GUARD FROM POOLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE ON SKYPE IN BOURNEMOUTH
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Adam Tanner, a lifeguard from Poole, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of serious child sexual abuse offences.The offences, which took place over the internet, involved Tanner grooming and encouraging three boys under the age of 13 to perform sexual acts on themselves via Skype.
The court heard that Tanner, who was 18 at the time of the offences and is now 20, engaged in a series of online exchanges with these young boys, during which he recorded videos of their interactions.
Additionally, he showed them footage of himself performing a sexual act, further exploiting their vulnerability.
Prosecutor Anita Gibson-Lee revealed that Tanner attempted to bribe the boys with 'coupons' that could be used online to purchase video games, offering these as rewards for their participation in the illicit acts.
The court was told that Tanner’s actions were not limited to online grooming; he actively encouraged the boys to perform sexual acts, which he then recorded.
Despite the disturbing nature of the case, there was no evidence to suggest Tanner ever planned to meet the boys in person.
However, during police interviews, he admitted to being attracted to young boys, which added to the severity of his crimes.
Recorder Robert Linford, presiding over the case at Bournemouth Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of Tanner’s offences.
He stated, “This case is far, far too serious for anything other than a prison sentence to be passed.
By Skype it may have been, but it was still child abuse, persuading boys of that age to do what they did for reward for your own gratification.” Tanner pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch sexual activity, and possessing indecent images of the children involved.
Specifically, he admitted to two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual acts, two counts of causing a child to view sexual acts, and possession of seven indecent images, which included nine Skype videos and a still image.
He was sentenced to concurrent terms: two-and-a-half years for the sexual activity offences and four months for the possession of indecent images.
The court also ordered Tanner to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for the same duration.
The judge acknowledged Tanner’s lack of previous convictions but highlighted the seriousness of his actions.
In mitigation, Tanner’s legal team pointed to a psychiatric report indicating that his Asperger’s syndrome contributed to his offending behavior.
His lawyer, Tom Hill, explained that Tanner’s limited social awareness and difficulty in understanding emotional responses played a role in his grooming behavior.
Hill also noted that Tanner claimed to identify emotionally with the boys and suggested that early life experiences might have influenced his actions.
Despite his remorse, Tanner’s crimes have left a lasting impact on his victims and the community.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of addressing online child exploitation and the need for strict penalties to deter such behavior.
Tanner, who has no prior criminal record, was also ordered to be subject to ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.
