JODIE LITTLE FROM HUDDERSFIELD SENTENCED IN LONDON FOR CYPRUS-BASED CHILD SEX ABUSE ONLINE

In a significant case that highlights the reach of UK justice beyond national borders, Jodie Little, a 30-year-old woman originally from Huddersfield, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term at Isleworth Crown Court in London for her involvement in online child sexual abuse activities conducted from Cyprus. The case underscores the use of specialized legislation that enables British authorities to prosecute their nationals for crimes committed abroad.

Little, who resided in northern Cyprus at the time of her offending, operated under the online aliases 'devil bitch 666' and 'Queen of Tabbo.' Her criminal activities included a disturbing array of offenses involving minors, which she carried out through a website that offered adult escort and webcam services. The platform was used as a conduit for her heinous acts, which she committed from her residence in Cyprus, targeting children for sexual exploitation in exchange for payment.

Her criminal record includes admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a boy under the age of 13, as well as multiple counts related to the distribution of indecent images of children, including pseudo-photographs. She also published obscene material, including an article describing child rape, and placed advertisements offering videos of child sexual abuse for sale. Additionally, she conspired to sexually assault a boy under 13 by touching him, caused a child to participate in sexual activities, and sexually assaulted a girl under 13 through touching.

The investigation into her activities was initiated after the National Crime Agency (NCA) shared intelligence with authorities in northern Cyprus in June of the previous year. The intelligence indicated that Little was offering to sexually abuse children online in exchange for payment. This information was relayed through the NCA’s International Staff, which facilitates cross-border cooperation in tackling serious crimes.

Following the intelligence exchange, Cypriot authorities took action, and upon discovering her offending, decided to deport her back to the United Kingdom. It was also noted that Little was an over-stayer, as her visa had expired, which contributed to her deportation decision. The UK authorities then prosecuted her under Section 72 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, a legislative measure that allows for the prosecution of British nationals for sexual offenses committed overseas.

Little was convicted on eight counts out of the nine she faced, with the court sentencing her to 12 years and four months in prison. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the global nature of child exploitation crimes and the importance of international cooperation in bringing offenders to justice, regardless of where they commit their crimes.