David Harsley

David Harsley, 51 from East Yorkshire, was the final member of a seven-man paedophile ring sentenced for sexually abusing a baby and two young children through rape and assault in 2013-2014. Unlike his co-defendants who received life registration, the duration for Harsley on the sex offenders register was pending determination. The group, dispersed across England, live-streamed offences, groomed families, and shared drugging methods online to facilitate access to victims, including newborns.

Initiated by Adam Toms' September 2014 emergency call, the NCA probe revealed the network's organisation, with members travelling far and treating abuse as an exchangeable commodity. Harsley's participation added to the 'grossly deviant' acts that shocked the court.

Bristol Crown Court saw Judge Julian Lambert impose a two-year sentence on Harsley, the shortest among the group, while condemning the collective depravity as unimaginable and contrary to humanity. The judge noted the emotional toll, provoking sickness and tears. The case's legacy includes safeguarding 21 more children and global intelligence dissemination, as per NCA lead Ian Glover.

• Source: BBC News, 11 September 2015.
• Quote: Judge: 'What you did... makes some feel physically sick'.
• Context: Harsley received the minimum term; register period undecided at reporting.