Ordinary-looking couple's sick double-life exposed in 'revolting' WhatsApp messages
Andrew Boyd, 41, and Lara Boyd, 40, from Tameside appeared to the outside world as a middle-aged couple working hard in their employment. In reality, they were consuming enormous amounts of cocaine and drinking gallons of alcohol. The sick pair covertly captured images of an underage child they had a sexual interest in. Disgusting WhatsApp messages were discovered as they titillated themselves over their revolting secret.
Officers were alerted to an indecent image of a child from Andrew's IP address. Police attended the couple's home and he was arrested. Electronic devices, including an iPad, iPhone, PlayStation 4, and laptop, were seized. Andrew admitted he had spoken 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 revealed the child was the subject of their sexual appetite. The images were only shared between the pair, who were both later arrested.
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.
The child penned a statement saying the Boyds would never fully know the effects the ordeal has had on them. They revealed they suffer from recurring nightmares. Andrew sat staring at the floor while Lara sobbed in court.
Saul Brody, defending Andrew, stated he sank into the mire of alcohol and drug-fuelled depravity. Disinhibited by booze and cocaine, he began accessing pornography which led to an unhealthy interest in more taboo and extreme areas. He described the messages between the couple as revolting. Lara's barrister, Ellie Akhgar, said she is thoroughly ashamed, adding "She knows this is quite the fall from grace." Judge Tina Landale described it as an extremely serious case with severe impact on the victim. Both received two-year prison sentences.