Hampshire child sex offender convicted after targeting victims online
Craig Travers pleads guilty to multiple charges at Lewes Crown Court
A child sex offender from Hampshire has been convicted following an investigation by specialist officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
Craig Travers, 39, formerly of Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford, pleaded guilty to nine charges at Lewes Crown Court on 10th August.
Travers admitted to five counts of taking indecent images of a child, one count of distribution of an indecent image of a child, and three counts of making an indecent photo of a child.
Additional charges were left to lie on file.
Already serving a prison sentence for previous offences, Travers was charged with the latest crimes in April, following an examination of his phone and laptop revealing chats and sexual images.
Officials identified three male victims under the age of 18 from Wiltshire, Sussex, and Surrey, whom Travers had met after contacting them via Snapchat, Discord, and Whatsapp.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Betchley of SEROCU commented, "Officers were able to examine his digital devices and identify further offences. This led to the discovery of videos and images relating to these children."
She encouraged victims of child sexual abuse to report incidents to local police forces and highlighted the availability of support services.
Travers will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 22nd October.