Man, 39, convicted of child sex offences

A 39-year-old man has been convicted of child sex offences including voyeurism and possessing indecent images.

In January 2020, detectives came into possession of intelligence that William James, also known as Stephen Umney, previously of Higham Ferrers, was in possession of indecent images of children.

A warrant was executed at his address that month and a number of devices were seized.

On them, police discovered indecent images of children, many of them Category A – the most serious.

As a result of the investigation, James was charged with two counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography, two counts of voyeurism, and one count of possessing prohibited images of children.

James was convicted of the offences this month and last week (August 12) at Northampton Crown Court was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.

Detective Constable Jon Brawn, said: “William James is a dangerous individual who sourced and shared thousands of indecent images of children online.

“He has shown no remorse for his actions and I welcome this custodial sentence which will keep him locked away and children safe.

“The Online Child Abuse Investigation Unit is dedicated to catching offenders like William James and anyone who thinks they won’t be caught – you will and you will be brought to justice.”