KARL ASTBURY FROM THURROCK SENTENCED TO FIVE AND A HALF YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES

Karl Astbury, 41, of Thurcroft, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison after admitting to sending explicit messages to underage girls, one of whom was only ten years old. Astbury pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. His online communications ranged across the country, involving attempts to encourage illegal activities and the distribution of indecent images. His offending was uncovered through police investigations, highlighting the ongoing need to protect vulnerable young people from online predators.