10 years for internet child abuser

Edwards posted more than 100 images on children on the Internet

A man who recorded himself sexually abusing children as young as 12-months-old has been jailed for 10 years.

Brian Edwards preyed on three children, two boys aged four and 12 months, and a girl of two.

The 43-year-old told police the two-year-old was his "favourite".

As well as videoing himself performing sex acts on her, he posted an indecent photograph of the youngster on the internet for other paedophiles to see.

Prosecutor Penny Moreland told Newcastle Crown Court how Edwards, of Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear, was well known in the area, due to his computer expertise.

It was only after 118 images of children were discovered on his home computer that the extent of his activities came to light.

Miss Moreland told the court: "In police interviews he gave an explanation as to how he first come into the world of child porn.

"He said he was abused as a child and wished to understand the motives of those who carried out such abuse.

You are a dangerous man and you present a serious risk to children

Judge Beatrice Bolton

"He said he had reported websites to organisations such as netwatch to cover his back should he ever be traced.

"He accessed paedophile chartrooms where people of like mind discussed their interest.

"He also said he had posted indecent photos of children on the net around 15 times from 1998 of various girls aged about 12 in erotic poses."

Judge Beatrice Bolton said that after serving the 10 year sentence, Edwards should be on licence for an extended period of five years.

Previous conviction

The judge also made an indefinite restraining order which prevents him even being in the same room as a child under 16.

He will also be registered as a sex offender for life.

Judge Bolton told Edwards: "One does not know the damage which you have caused to those children.

"You are a dangerous man and you present a serious risk to children."

Edwards, who already has a previous conviction for an assault on a three-month-old baby, pleaded guilty to 14 offences, including distributing, taking, making and possessing indecent photos of children, gross indecency with a child and indecent assault.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Dave Ball of Northumbria Police said: "He is an articulate, intelligent man who over a period of time groomed and abused the trust of these children.

"He is an extreme danger, especially to young children."