TIMOTHY FORD FROM KETTERING JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing fight against child exploitation, Timothy Ford, a 52-year-old man from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of children in the Philippines. The court heard that Ford, described as a manipulative and obsessive individual, exploited the extreme poverty of a family in the Philippines to facilitate the sexual exploitation of their children, some as young as six years old, by paying them to perform sex acts on camera.

According to court proceedings, Ford established contact with the impoverished family through the internet, engaging in conversations with the parents and offering financial incentives in exchange for explicit videos and live shows involving their children. The police investigation revealed that Ford wired money to the family, with payments believed to be around £10 per show, to facilitate these sick acts. The court was told that Ford’s online activities included speaking to the children via Skype, with his voice audible in some of the videos, and discussing payments with the parents.

Prosecutor Mary Loram detailed how police initially raided Ford’s residence in June 2011, seizing two laptops, a desktop computer, and DVDs. Authorities uncovered files containing videos of children performing sexual acts on themselves and being abused by other children. Further investigation revealed that Ford had also communicated with other paedophiles in the UK and the United States, sharing information about the family and their children. This prompted an FBI investigation into the matter.

Evidence collected by police indicated that Ford had also purchased a share in a property in the Philippines, where he planned to establish an internet café with accommodation upstairs, to be rented out by the hour. During online exchanges, Ford joked about setting up a travel agency called “Paedophile Vacations,” highlighting his disturbing mindset.

In May of the previous year, police executed a further raid on Ford’s home in Burghley Street, Kettering. They discovered additional videos depicting child abuse, which had been accumulated while Ford was on bail. The court also learned that Ford had a long history of sexual offences involving children, dating back to 1992 when he was convicted of distributing indecent images of children. He was again jailed in 2001 for making indecent images of children.

Despite Ford submitting a letter claiming he now recognized the need for help, Judge Rupert Mayo was unequivocal in his condemnation. The judge criticized Ford for actively promoting the exploitation of children in the Philippines and described him as someone who was manipulative, obsessive, and blinkered in his interests, particularly concerning prepubescent boys. Judge Mayo expressed his belief that Ford would have likely gone on to abuse children himself if given the opportunity without intervention.

He further stated that Ford posed a significant risk to the public and that his actions demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory behavior. As a result, Ford was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison, with an extended sentence of six years on license. He will only be released once authorities determine he is no longer a danger to society, and he will remain under supervision until at least 2028, with the possibility of recall to prison if necessary.