EDWARD BEY FROM ALLERTON SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN BRADFORD

In a disturbing case that has raised serious concerns about online safety and child protection, Edward Bey, a 31-year-old man from Planetrees Street in Allerton, was convicted and sentenced for his involvement in encouraging a young girl to engage in sexual acts via a live streaming platform. The incident took place on February 27, 2017, and has prompted authorities to issue warnings to parents about the dangers lurking on the internet.

According to court reports, Bey watched a live broadcast on the LiveMe app for approximately three minutes. During this time, he actively engaged with the content by pressing the 'like' button in response to a viewer's request for the young girl, who was only ten years old, to perform sexual acts on herself. The girl was urged to carry out these acts in front of a live audience, which included several viewers who messaged her with encouragement and instructions. One such instruction involved the girl using a hairbrush to simulate sexual activity, and she was promised virtual rewards for complying with these demands.

The case was brought to light after volunteers who monitor the internet for signs of child sexual abuse noticed the broadcast. The girl’s mother was subsequently informed of the incident. When questioned, the young girl revealed that she had not initially told her mother about what had happened because she wanted to forget the distressing experience. Her vulnerability was compounded by her young age, making her an easy target for exploitation.

Prosecutor Abigail Langford outlined the details in Bradford Crown Court, emphasizing that Bey was not acting alone but was part of a group encouraging the abuse. The court heard that Bey’s actions, although brief, contributed to a disturbing pattern of exploitation. The court was also informed that Bey was intoxicated at the time and was alcohol-dependent, which may have influenced his behavior.

During the hearing, Judge David Hatton QC acknowledged the mental health concerns raised by Bey’s probation officer and psychiatrist, noting that his mental state could worsen if he were to serve time in prison. Despite this, the judge emphasized the importance of deterring such behavior through appropriate sentencing, stating, “Those who promote or participate in the exploitation of children must be deterred by sentences of imprisonment.”

It was also noted that Bey had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses. His participation in the incident lasted no more than three minutes, and the activity would likely have continued regardless of his brief involvement. Nevertheless, the court took a firm stance against such conduct.

As a result, Bey was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years. He is also required to participate in a rehabilitation activity program lasting up to 90 days, attend an accredited sexual offender treatment course, and complete a nine-month alcohol treatment program. Additionally, the court imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order against him, and he is mandated to register as a sex offender for the same period. This case underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from online predators and exploitation.