Matthew Stansfield

Matthew Stansfield, 35 from Hampshire, formed part of a notorious paedophile gang convicted of sexually abusing a baby and two other young children in acts spanning 2013 to 2014. The group, operating from locations across England, committed rapes and assaults, often live-streamed to an online audience, while providing real-time encouragement. Stansfield's role included participating in these depraved acts and engaging in online discussions about exploiting children.

The offences came to light through an NCA investigation initiated after Adam Toms' distress call in September 2014, which led to the dismantling of the organised crime group. Evidence showed the men groomed families, drove extensively to reach victims, and shared tips on drugging children via chat logs. They even targeted expectant mothers to secure access to newborns, treating the abuse as a currency in paedophile networks.

During sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Julian Lambert lambasted the group for behaviour that was 'contrary to all nature and humanity', imposing a 14-year custodial sentence on Stansfield. The judge highlighted the unimaginable deviance, noting it would make many feel 'physically sick'. Stansfield was placed on the sex offenders register for life. The case, described by NCA's Ian Glover as the worst he had seen, resulted in protections for 21 additional at-risk children and international intelligence sharing.

• Source: BBC News, 11 September 2015, based on court proceedings.
• Quote: Judge Lambert: 'What you did is contrary to all nature and humanity.'
• NCA Insight: Children were 'filmed, abused and shown to other paedophiles as a form of currency'.