ANDREW BAYLISS'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN WANTAGE: PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR DOWNLOADS AND ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wantage, Andrew Bayliss, a 41-year-old man residing at The Willows in Grove, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous crimes involving child exploitation and abuse. The offences, which span several years, include the possession and distribution of thousands of indecent images of children, as well as direct sexual abuse.

Bayliss's criminal activities came to light following a police investigation that uncovered his extensive online activities on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet notorious for illegal content. Between December 2008 and September 2014, authorities found that he had downloaded a staggering total of 46,561 indecent images, including 2,300 videos depicting young boys aged from infancy to 13 years old. Some of these images were described as 'grotesque' by prosecutors, showing children as young as three being subjected to rape and torture. The severity of these images shocked even seasoned investigators.

During the court proceedings at Oxford Crown Court, it was revealed that Bayliss had also posed as a 12-year-old girl on various online platforms, attempting to deceive others and possibly facilitate further abuse. On two separate occasions, he was caught on camera filming himself abusing a seven-year-old boy, an act that added to the gravity of his crimes.

Prosecutor Sarah Gaunt detailed the extent of Bayliss's offences, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material he possessed. She stated that the offences spanned nearly six years, with the defendant actively engaging in the exchange and creation of child abuse images. The court heard that Bayliss had committed 27 offences in total, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, having sexual activity with a child, and voyeurism.

In addition to the images, Bayliss was found guilty of making, possessing, and distributing indecent images of children. His criminal record also includes a prior conviction from 2003, when he served a four-and-a-half-year sentence for similar offences, including indecency with a child and taking indecent photographs. At that time, it was reported that he had worked as a babysitter and had accessed a website containing child abuse images out of curiosity.

During sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle expressed his horror at the scale and nature of Bayliss's crimes. He acknowledged that Bayliss still had the support of friends and family, but emphasized the danger he posed to society. The judge described the images as 'absolutely horrifying' and declared Bayliss a dangerous offender. As a result, he was sentenced to an additional five years and four months on licence, with an indefinite sexual offences prevention order imposed to prevent contact with children and restrict internet access.

Bayliss's case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in child exploitation. His actions have not only led to his imprisonment but also to ongoing restrictions designed to protect the community from further harm. The court has scheduled a further hearing for January 26, where Bayliss will face sentencing for his latest offences, ensuring that justice continues to be served for the victims and the community of Wantage.