A couple from Greater Manchester who secretly photographed and filmed an underage child as part of their depraved sexual appetite, fueled by enormous amounts of cocaine and alcohol, have been jailed for two years.
Background of the Offences
Andrew Boyd, 41, and Lara Boyd, 40, of Tameside, appeared to the outside world as a normal middle-aged couple working hard in their employment. However, their WhatsApp chats revealed a depraved sexual interest in a child, with messages showing they titillated themselves and secretly took images of the victim.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that officers were alerted to an indecent image of a child from Andrew Boyd's IP address. Police attended the couple's home, and Andrew was arrested. Electronic devices, including an iPad, iPhone, PlayStation 4, and laptop, were seized.
Evidence and Guilty Pleas
Andrew admitted speaking to people on the messaging app Kik on topics of a sexual nature but denied sharing images of children. Officers uncovered indecent images of a child clearly taken without any form of knowledge or consent. WhatsApp messages showed the child was the subject of their sexual appetite, and the images were shared only between the pair.
The victim penned a statement saying the Boyds would never fully know the effects the ordeal has had on them, including recurring nightmares. Andrew Boyd sat staring at the floor while his wife sobbed.
Charges and Sentencing
Andrew Boyd pleaded guilty to voyeurism; publishing an obscene article; two counts of making indecent images of children; two counts of distributing indecent images of children; and possession of an extreme pornographic image. Lara Boyd admitted voyeurism; publishing an obscene article; and two counts of making indecent images of children.
Saul Brody, representing Andrew Boyd, said he sank into the mire of alcohol and drug-fuelled depravity. Disinhibited by booze and cocaine, his client began accessing pornography, which led to an unhealthy interest in more taboo and extreme areas. Brody described the messages between the couple as revolting.
Ellie Akhgar, for Lara Boyd, said her client was thoroughly ashamed and knew this was quite a fall from grace. She added: "The commission of these offences are, and will be, the greatest regret of her life, and she accepts they should be." Lara Boyd has stopped taking drugs and now rarely drinks. The court heard the couple's relationship is complex, and Lara had been subject to bouts of domestic violence at the hands of Andrew. They are still together.
Judge Tina Landale said it was an extremely serious case and that the impact on the victim has been severe. The Boyds were both jailed for two years.
