West Sussex man who paid for children to be sexually abused jailed
The 76-year-old will spend 12 years behind bars
A man from West Sussex has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for committing multiple offences of child sexual abuse, including orchestrating the abuse of children in the Philippines.
Robert Pasteiner, 76, was identified by National Crime Agency investigators after suspicious payments exceeding £200,000 were tracked to known facilitators of live-streamed child sexual abuse in the Philippines.
He was apprehended at Heathrow Airport in February 2023, shortly before departing for the Philippines, where he had arranged to meet a 12-year-old girl.
Searches of his luggage revealed items suggestive of his intentions, including perfume, jewellery, condoms, and Viagra, alongside a substantial quantity of Filipino Pesos and falsified documents.
Further examination of his home in West Sussex unveiled 15 electronic devices, six of which contained indecent images of children, along with detailed notes of his communications with child sexual abuse facilitators.
Pasteiner's documentation included personal information, payment history, and descriptions of illicit transactions noted as payment for 'shows.'
In collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police, the NCA identified and safeguarded his victims.
In May 2026, Pasteiner pleaded guilty to several offences, including causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, and creating indecent images of children.
Sentenced on 23rd July at Portsmouth Crown Court, he also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Danielle Pownall commented on the sentencing, stating, "Robert Pasteiner is a depraved man who posed a significant threat to children worldwide."
Pownall expressed gratitude to international partners and affirmed the NCA's dedication to pursuing child sexual abuse perpetrators and protecting vulnerable individuals.