A 23-year-old woman from Hull, Toni Andrews, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Andrews was found guilty of taking indecent photos of a child and sending them to her boyfriend, Thomas Edeson, 24. The NCA’s investigation into Edeson began in May 2021 after a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Edeson had been convicted in August 2021 for sexually assaulting a young girl and taking indecent images of her. During the investigation into Edeson, officers discovered sexual images of a child that appeared to have been taken by Andrews and sent to him. Further examination of Andrews’ electronic devices revealed over 800 illegal images and videos, including hundreds showing child sexual abuse.

Andrews was arrested in December 2021 and admitted to taking and sending one of the photos to Edeson. However, she denied knowing about his sexual interest in children. Subsequent examination of her electronic devices revealed almost 100 indecent images of children, over 500 prohibited images of children, and over 200 showing extreme pornography.

At Hull Crown Court, Andrews pleaded guilty to a total of seven charges, including taking indecent photographs of a child, possession of indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography. The judge sentenced her to 16 months in prison and ordered her to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Holly Triggs, NCA senior investigating officer, expressed concern over the high demand for such illegal material in the UK and emphasised the importance of organisations like NCMEC in identifying offenders. Triggs stated that the NCA is committed to protecting children from abuse and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.