TREVOR SHARPE FROM HORNEDEAN SENTENCED FOR UKRAINE CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Horndean and the wider Hampshire area, Trevor Sharpe, a 50-year-old man, has been handed an indeterminate prison sentence after admitting to traveling abroad to commit heinous acts of child sexual abuse in Ukraine. The court proceedings revealed that Sharpe, an IT specialist by profession, had traveled to Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine, with the intent of exploiting vulnerable children for sexual purposes.

Between April 2005 and January 2009, Sharpe engaged in a series of criminal activities that included taking explicit photographs and videos of his encounters with minors. His actions were uncovered after police investigations revealed a significant amount of digital evidence stored on his computer and external hard drives. Authorities found a staggering collection of 325 photographs and 78 video clips directly linked to Sharpe, alongside an additional 26,443 images and 95 videos he had downloaded from other sources. Despite the volume of material, only three victims had been identified from the images so far, though police believe the number of victims could be more than 30, some as young as seven years old, with some victims reportedly paid for their participation.

Sharpe’s criminal activities extended beyond mere possession of illicit images. He admitted to 58 charges related to sexual abuse, which included engaging in sexual acts in the presence of children, inciting children to engage in sexual activities, sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13, and creating indecent images of minors. Prosecutors detailed that Sharpe had driven from the UK to various council estates in Ukraine, primarily in Odessa, where he would lure children into his vehicle. The police investigation indicated that Sharpe’s motives included both exploitation and gratification, with some victims being paid for their involvement.

In addition to his sexual offenses, Sharpe was found to possess four cans of pepper spray, which were classified as prohibited weapons. These weapons charges were also considered during his sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court heard that Sharpe’s actions posed a significant threat to children, and Judge Richard Price did not hold back in condemning him. Addressing Sharpe directly, the judge stated, “You are a highly-dangerous man as far as children are concerned, highly-dangerous.”

Judge Price emphasized the severity of the case by declaring that Sharpe would not be considered for release until he had served at least two years and one month, but clarified that this was an indeterminate sentence. The judge made it clear that Sharpe might never be released, as he would remain incarcerated until deemed safe to re-enter society, potentially spending the rest of his life behind bars. Furthermore, Sharpe was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and he was permanently banned from owning any computer, phone, or device capable of internet access. He was also prohibited from possessing any device used for taking still or video images and from having any contact with children under the age of 16.

During the court proceedings, Sharpe’s defense lawyer, Richard Onslow, expressed that his client was deeply ashamed of his actions and could not explain the reasons behind his behavior. He also noted that Sharpe had not distributed any of the illicit material he possessed or downloaded, which was considered during sentencing. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Horndean and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and bring offenders to justice.