NEIL GOULD FROM ST NEOTS CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN PETERBOROUGH

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of St Neots, Neil Gould, aged 42, was apprehended by police authorities after engaging in a series of online interactions with what he believed to be underage girls. The incident unfolded when Gould initiated conversations through various internet applications, targeting three different users whom he thought were young girls aged 12 or 13. Unbeknownst to him, these users were actually undercover police officers conducting a sting operation.

Between April 2017 and May 2018, Gould persistently sent sexually explicit messages to these individuals, attempting to persuade them to send him indecent images. He also took the step of sending explicit photographs of himself, further demonstrating his intent to engage in inappropriate and illegal communication with minors. The police investigation gained momentum when information was received linking Gould to these online activities, leading to his arrest at his residence in St Anselm Place, St Neots, on July 8.

During the subsequent search of Gould’s property, authorities seized his mobile phone, which was later analyzed in detail. The forensic examination uncovered a disturbing collection of 25 indecent images of children stored on the device. Of these images, 10 were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of child exploitation material.

Gould faced multiple charges in connection with his actions. He admitted to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, as well as three counts of making indecent images of children. His case was brought before Peterborough Crown Court, where he appeared on Friday, July 5.

In a sentencing that reflects the gravity of his offenses, Gould was sentenced to 16 months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work as part of his rehabilitation requirements. The case has highlighted the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.