Ben Haymes, A 34-year-old Bodmin and Bude Paedophile, has received a sentence of four years and four months in prison, followed by a further four years on extended licence, after being found guilty of child sex offences.
Ben Haymes, formerly of Bodmin and Bude, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Friday, 20 September, after pleading guilty to assaulting a boy under 13 by touching, seven charges of creating indecent images of children, two counts of possessing extreme pornography, voyeurism, two counts of possessing prohibited images of a child, and two counts of displaying an indecent photograph.
Ben Haymes was also subjected to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
In July 2019, the court was informed that police executed a search warrant at a residence in Bude after receiving intelligence on the upload of an indecent image of a child to the internet from that place.
A digital examination revealed that a folder linked to Ben Haymes contained many indecent images of children. In one clip, Haymes could be seen touching the groin area of a child over clothing.
The video was sent to another male along with messages in which Ben Haymes stated his sexual intentions for the child.
Examination of Ben Haymes’ devices revealed hundreds of further indecent images, spanning all three categories, some of the Category C images featuring another child known to Haymes, with Haymes again setting out his intentions for the child.
Ben Haymes also possessed extreme pornography showing sex acts involving his dog.
Data extraction showed many secret recordings of boys using a toilet. There were also further conversations in which Ben Haymes stated his sexual preference for young children and animals.
Officers in the case DC Charlotte Norris said: “I welcome the sentence issued to Ben Haymes after a lengthy complex investigation.
“I praise the victim’s family for putting their faith in the police Investigation and acting with dignity.
“Ben Haymes is a dangerous sex offender who owned horrendous child abuse images of young children and spoke freely about his desires.
“I hope this case sends out a strong message to those committing child sex offences and viewing child abuse material that we will find them and bring them to justice.”
If you are a victim of child abuse or worried for the safety or well-being of a child, find out below all the different ways you can get in touch. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns. Your information could help our trained officers and staff protect the child.
The best ways to get in touch
If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service at 18000 or text us at 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergency SMS service.
If it isn’t an emergency, please get in touch in any of these other ways:
- call our non-emergency, 24/7 number: 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service at 18001 101
- visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
- contact the NSPCC to talk to a professional practitioner
- contact the children’s social care team at your local council
- contact Fearless confidentially and anonymously
- If you’re a child, you could also speak to someone you trust, like a friend, a teacher or an adult.
If you’re a professional working with children, remember you have a responsibility to refer your concerns to Children’s Social Care through your local council.
What happens after you report it to us?
Uniformed officers may take an initial report, after which specialist detectives may investigate. They’ll explain in detail what will happen next.
Neither you nor the child will be forced to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. However, we will always take action if we think a child is at risk of further harm.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.