CAMBRIDGE MAN FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES AFTER ONLINE STING
FATHER-OF-TWO Barry Jacobs exposed himself over an internet webcam to an undercover police officer posing as an 11-year-old girl.When detectives raided his home in Felsham Chase, Burwell, they discovered 51,000 indecent pictures of children on his computer and 137 videos.
On Monday, the 35-year-old carpenter admitted 17 charges involving downloading and possessing the images during his appearance before Cambridge Crown Court.
Earlier, he had admitted two offences of attempting sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Detectives organized the sting after a mother raised concerns about messages her 11-year-old was receiving online.
A female officer contacted Jacobs online and discussed porn sites he had visited and how babies are made.
Sara Walker, prosecuting, revealed that during the webcam session, Jacobs got up from his chair wearing a dressing gown that was not tied up, and he was naked underneath.
When police arrived at his home in summer 2005, Jacobs was wearing only a dressing gown.
He remains in custody, with sentencing scheduled for the week beginning June 18 after probation and psychiatric reports are received.
Ely police detective sergeant Tim Underhill, who investigated the case, stated: "We have removed a very dangerous man from the streets.
It was a very successful operation which moved very quickly thanks to the circumstances being right and the co-operation of the family.
The question that has to be asked is 'where would he go next?' He had all his porn - for him to have 50,000 images he must have been doing nothing else.
He had contact with a child and believes he is committing offences in front of that child."
