Worthing Man Jailed for Online Exploitation and Child Abuse Images

A man from Worthing has been jailed after being convicted of offences involving child abuse images and the online exploitation of young women and teenage girls. Charles Wood, 34, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images across categories A, B and C, possession of an extreme pornographic image, […]

A man from Worthing has been jailed after being convicted of offences involving child abuse images and the online exploitation of young women and teenage girls.

Charles Wood, 34, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images across categories A, B and C, possession of an extreme pornographic image, and offences linked to online deception.

The court heard that Wood created a false online identity, posing as a teenage girl, which he used to contact victims through social media platforms and dating apps. He gained their trust before persuading them to send explicit images and videos.

Wood used a voice-changing application to support the deception and, in some cases, shared images with others online. He also sent manipulative messages designed to maintain control over his victims.

Wood was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. The court also imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered the destruction of his electronic devices.

Police said the offences were calculated and caused significant emotional harm to those affected.