Bristol man jailed for child sex offences online
Adam Pugh pleaded guilty to 15 offences at Bristol Crown Court
A 42-year-old man from Southmead, Bristol, has been jailed for 17 years after admitting to more than a dozen online child sex offences.
Adam Pugh was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 14th January after Avon and Somerset Police's investigation uncovered extensive criminal activity involving indecent images and messages shared with a profile allegedly linked to a 13-year-old girl.
The investigation began in October 2025 following a referral from an external agency. The account linked to the offences was traced to Pugh's home, leading to his arrest by Avon and Somerset Police’s Internet Child Abuse Team.
During a search of his home, police uncovered several mobile phones being used by Pugh in violation of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order already set against him. Further analysis revealed communications involving indecent images of children.
The charges and sentencing
Pugh was charged with 15 offences committed between August and October 2025, including engaging in sexual communication with a child, creating and distributing indecent photographs of children, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and attempting to arrange sexual activity with a child.
At Bristol Crown Court, he received a nine-year prison sentence, extended by a further eight years, totalling 17 years behind bars. Judges can impose extended sentences for offenders considered dangerous to the public.
Police statement
Detective Inspector Laura Newton, of the Internet Child Abuse Team, said:
"Adam Pugh groomed children online for his own sexual gratification, exposing them to sexual acts and coercing them into sending indecent images. In doing so, he breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in place to protect children from further harm.
"He is a dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to children, as demonstrated by the lengthy prison sentence handed down in court.
"Safeguarding vulnerable young people remains our highest priority and we will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they need."