Four sentenced after admitting sexual offending against children

Four people have been sentenced at Winchester Crown Court after admitting a series of sexual offences against children, following an investigation by the Major Crime Team at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Elliot Jones, 49, formerly of Chantry Lane, Necton, Norfolk, was jailed for a total of 34 years. The sentence consists of a 26-year custodial term and an extended licence period of eight years. Jones had previously admitted 21 charges, including sexual activity with a child and making indecent photographs of children.

The court heard that Jones abused and encouraged the abuse of a number of children over a period of years, with offending taking place in different parts of the country. Sentencing him, Judge Adam Feest described Jones as a “highly manipulative and exploitative individual” and said the risk he poses to others “is of the highest order”.

Sarah Johnson, 57, of Tintagel Close, Andover, admitted 18 charges, including taking and distributing indecent images of children. She was jailed for 11 years, with an extended licence period of one year.

Heidi Ludbrook, 45, of Norman Way, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, admitted 10 offences, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photographs of a child. She was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Jones, Johnson and Ludbrook will all be subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and notification requirements.

Catarina Araujo, 46, of Limassol Road, Dereham, Norfolk, was sentenced after admitting two offences. She received a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The abuse was first reported by one of the victims after he reached adulthood, prompting further enquiries which identified additional victims. Officers also recovered a large number of indecent images and videos from devices seized when Jones was arrested, including phones, USB sticks and a hard drive. Further evidence was found on devices belonging to the other defendants.

Detective Sergeant Sam Grant, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime Team, said: “This is an appalling case. The offences spanned a number of years, and had one common theme – Jones’ awful and manipulative behaviour.

“I want to commend the victims for the courage they have shown throughout this process and talking to the police about what happened. Their bravery and telling us what happened to them has brought these four people to justice.

“We want to encourage anyone who has concerns about this particular case to contact us on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

“We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.”

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. Support is also available via Childline on 0800 11 11 and for adults affected by abuse through the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Elliot Jones (left)
Sarah Johnson (middle)
Heidi Ludbrook (right)