A 46-year-old man from Toxteth has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to 42 offences involving child exploitation and abuse.
Paul Welsh appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, where he was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The investigation began when Welsh attempted to engage with someone he believed was under 13, but was actually an undercover police officer from Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales. đź‘®
Detective Constable Viktorija Clarehugh from NWROCU said: “A long and complex investigation had resulted in a sexual predator being put behind bars for a considerable length of time. Welsh’s utterly depraved actions have no place in our society, and he deserves the sentence given to him.”
Detective Inspector Rich Davies of Tarian ROCU added: “It is our absolute priority to protect children in our communities and I am grateful to our officers and our colleagues at the NWROCU for their meticulous investigation into this appalling case. The successful prosecution and conviction of Welsh, a highly dangerous sexual predator, will ensure that vulnerable children are protected from the risk he poses.”
Support is available: NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected] Childline: 0800 1111 Or report anonymously to Crimestoppers