Church Worker Jailed for Webcam Abuse of Girl, 13

A 61-year-old man who worked at a church has been sentenced to four years and four months in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl over webcam.

Anthony Arr, of Laburnum Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire, began talking to the teenager on social media, describing her as “beautiful” despite acknowledging the age difference was inappropriate.

Newport Crown Court heard the abuse escalated to webcam conversations where Arr instructed the victim to strip and perform sexual acts whilst he masturbated. He used code phrases like “Are you seeing me? You clear?” to ensure she was alone.

The court heard Arr told the victim: “Don’t worry, when we do have sex you won’t be able to get pregnant, I’ve had the snip.”

The abuse continued for six months between 2am and 5am to avoid detection. Arr eventually blocked the victim, telling her to contact him when she turned 18.

When arrested a decade later, Arr claimed to police he and the victim were “boyfriend and girlfriend” and had “planned to run away together” when she turned 16.

The victim’s impact statement revealed the devastating consequences: “This incident hugely impacted my learning and I was unable to finish my education. Children found out about what happened and started to bully me. They said I liked older men which was something I struggled to deal with.”

She described years of depression, anxiety, and drug problems, adding: “I have spent so many nights crying myself to sleep… I was diagnosed with psychosis in 2020.”

The victim concluded: “I am grateful this is being dealt with appropriately by the justice system but I fear the impact from Anthony Arr will affect me for the rest of my life.”

Judge Carl Harrison told Arr during sentencing: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of the damage you have caused.”

Arr pleaded guilty to two counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order.