Paedophile who filmed himself sexually abusing young boys has been jailed over extreme image posted Facebook

A paedophile who filmed himself sexually abusing young boys has been jailed after posting an extreme image on Facebook.

Steven Goodwin, 31, abused boys at his home in Werrington, Peterborough, during 2012 and the start of this year, and circulated the images to other paedophiles online, Cambridgeshire Police said.

He was arrested when he uploaded a level four picture, one of the most extreme, onto his own page on the social networking site in January.

Officers raided his home and discovered videos and photographs which allowed them to track down the victims.

He admitted 16 offences including sexual activity with a boy aged between 13 and 15, sexual assault on a boy under 13, sexual activity with a child, taking indecent photographs and possessing indecent images.

Goodwin was jailed for 10 years and four months at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday.

Detective Constable Nicky Boxall said: "This is a shocking case where the offender has groomed children by presenting himself as a mentor and friend, utilising his home as a place where these children could stay over, play video games and drink alcohol.

"He gained their trust, made them feel safe, then took advantage of the situation and abused them in his flat - taking pictures of them, sometimes while they were unaware and asleep.

"This has deeply affected the victims and their families, and we are pleased he has now been brought to justice and is no longer free to hurt others."

Sue Westcott, director of children's services for Peterborough City Council, said Goodwin's crimes had been very distressing and would have "far-reaching effects" on children and their families for years to come.

Jon Brown, from the NSPCC, said: "The NSPCC believes sentences for offences against children should be appropriate to the crimes committed and should reflect the harm and long-term impact on children and young people.

"The young victims in this case were manipulated and subjected to horrific abuse by a man they trusted.

"We know that grooming and sexual exploitation devastates young people's lives and that as a result of Steven Goodwin's actions, these young people will need significant ongoing therapeutic support to help them to recover from their ordeal."

PA