STOWMARKET MAN DYLON ARMSTRONG SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN HORRIFIC CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stowmarket, Dylan Armstrong, aged 23, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of sending explicit images to two nine-year-old girls and attempting to groom them for sexual activities. The offences came to light in August 2022, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that targeted vulnerable young victims.

According to the court proceedings, the crimes were uncovered after the parents of one of the young girls discovered a series of relentless and inappropriate images sent from Armstrong’s phone. These images included naked photographs of the defendant himself, along with messages referring to the girl as “sexy” and requesting her to send similar images. The disturbing content also featured explicit images of Armstrong in his work van and photographs of him performing sexual acts, which prompted immediate police involvement.

The court heard that Armstrong had not only shared these images but also engaged in conversations that suggested he wanted to meet the girls in person for sexual encounters. The prosecution, led by Gavin Pottinger, detailed how the defendant had suggested that he and the girls should meet up to have sex, further emphasizing the malicious intent behind his actions.

Police investigations were initiated after the girl’s father took the step of visiting Armstrong’s workplace to report the matter. The police confirmed that Armstrong-Bell had admitted to multiple offences, including two counts of sexual communication with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sexual act. He also faced charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

During the sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday, August 23, Recorder Graham Huston described Armstrong as a danger to children and emphasized the severity of his actions. The judge stated that Armstrong had deliberately targeted the young victims, slowly grooming them into sending explicit images and viewing inappropriate content. The court noted that the relationship he sought to develop with the girls could have continued had his messages not been discovered.

In his ruling, Recorder Huston sentenced Armstrong to six years in prison, with an extended license period intended to protect the public. The judge also specified that Armstrong would need to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole, ensuring a period of supervision and assessment of his rehabilitation. Additionally, Armstrong was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to register as a sex offender, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses to society.

Armstrong, of Takers Lane, Stowmarket, now faces the consequences of his actions, which have left a lasting impact on his young victims and the community at large. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting children from online predators and sexual exploitation.