A woman who offered her baby daughter to a paedophile for sexual abuse has been jailed, along with the man who intended to abuse the child. The pair met on a dating website in 2017, where they discussed their mutual sexual attraction to young children.
Details of the Case
Christopher Brownhill, 38, of Linley View Drive, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, connected with the woman on an online dating platform. Their conversations quickly turned to their shared interest in sexually abusing children. The woman, also from Shropshire, cannot be named for legal reasons to protect her daughter's identity. She shared non-sexual pictures of her one-year-old daughter with Brownhill.
The pair agreed to meet in person, with the mother promising to bring her daughter along. However, the meeting never took place, and Brownhill never had physical contact with the child. Despite this, he continued messaging the woman, detailing what he wanted to do to her daughter.
Investigation and Arrest
Police launched an investigation after receiving intelligence about the pair. They were arrested two years after their initial contact. Both were charged with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, according to West Mercia Police. Following a two-week trial earlier this year, they were found guilty.
Sentencing
At Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday, June 12, Brownhill was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while the woman received a six-year custodial sentence. Both were issued with Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and must register on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The child no longer has any contact with her mother.
Additional Offences
The court also heard that Brownhill had messaged another woman online about their mutual sexual attraction to young children. The pair discussed arranging a meeting so Brownhill could sexually abuse the woman's one-year-old twin nieces.
Police Statement
West Mercia Police stated: "This case concerns extremely serious offences involving the exploitation of a child and both defendants demonstrated a clear intent to facilitate harm." The force noted that while no meeting occurred, the planning and communication were deeply disturbing. "Protecting children is our absolute priority, and we will relentlessly pursue those who seek to abuse or exploit them, whether online or in person."
The police praised the officers involved and urged the public to report any concerns about child exploitation.
