MARRIED COUPLE JAILED AS WHATSAPP MESSAGES EXPOSE VILE IMAGES OF YOUNG CHILD
A pair of individuals have been sentenced to prison after disturbing WhatsApp messages revealed their heinous secret.Andrew Boyd, aged 41, and Lara Boyd, aged 40, from Tameside, appeared to the public as a typical middle-aged couple working diligently in their jobs.
However, it emerged that they were consuming large quantities of cocaine and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
The couple secretly captured images of a child they had a sexual interest in.
At Minshull Street Crown Court, authorities explained that they were alerted to an indecent image of a child originating from Andrew’s internet address.
Police raided the couple’s residence and confiscated various electronic devices, including an iPad, iPhone, Sony PlayStation 4, and a laptop.
Andrew admitted to communicating with individuals via the Kik messaging app on topics of a sexual nature but denied distributing any images of children.
Investigations uncovered indecent images of a child that appeared to have been taken without the child's knowledge or consent.
WhatsApp communications indicated that this child was the focus of the couple’s sexual interests.
The images were shared solely between the two, who were subsequently detained.
Andrew Boyd pleaded guilty to several charges, including voyeurism; publishing an obscene article; two counts of creating indecent images of children; two counts of distributing such images; and possession of an extreme pornographic image.
Lara Boyd admitted to charges of voyeurism; publishing an obscene article; and two counts of producing indecent images of children.
Both individuals received sentences of two years in prison.
A statement from the child involved expressed that the Boyds would 'never fully understand the impact' of their actions on them.
The child reported ongoing nightmares.
During the court session, Andrew remained silent, staring at the floor, while Lara was seen crying.
Saul Brody, representing Andrew, described him as having 'sunk into the mire of alcohol and drug-fueled depravity.' He explained that being intoxicated allowed Andrew to access pornography that eventually led to an unhealthy interest in more extreme and taboo content.
Brody characterized the messages exchanged between the couple as 'revolting' and noted that Andrew has since become sober and is now a very different person.
Lara is 'thoroughly ashamed', barrister Ellie Akhgar said, adding: "She knows this is quite the fall from grace.
The commission of these offences are, and will be, the greatest regret of her life, and she accepts they should be." Lara has stopped taking drugs and now 'rarely' drinks.
The couple's relationship is 'complex', the court heard.
Ms Akhgar said Lara had been 'subject to bouts of domestic violence at the hands of Andrew'.
They are still together.
Judge Tina Landale said it was an 'extremely serious' case and that the impact on the victim has been 'severe'.
