Ayden Reader

Ayden Reader, a 22-year-old man from Taunton, Somerset, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences against a child and the possession and distribution of indecent images. The case, heard at Taunton Crown Court, highlighted Reader's 'sickening' behaviour that profoundly impacted his victim, leaving her feeling guilty and ashamed.

The offences began in 2021 when Reader connected with a teenage girl on social media and initiated messaging that escalated into sexual activity with the child. He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, authorities discovered that Reader had taken, made, possessed, and distributed thousands of indecent images, including 882 category A images (the most serious classification), 950 category B images, and 2,543 category C images on devices seized from his possession.

• One count of sexual activity with a child
• One count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
• One count of taking indecent images
• Six counts of making indecent images
• Three counts of making indecent images of children (charged by Kent Police)
• One count of being in possession of a prohibited image of a child
• One count of distributing indecent images of children
• One count of possessing extreme pornography
• Four counts of breaching his Interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)

The investigation was reported to Avon and Somerset Police, who seized Reader's electronic devices. While under investigation, an Interim SHPO was secured, forcing Reader to relocate to Kent. However, intelligence from the Kent Paedophile Online Team revealed he continued accessing and sharing child abuse images. Further breaches included messaging young girls on social media and using undeclared devices, leading to additional seizures that uncovered 830 category A images, 973 category B images, and 610 category C images.

The victim provided a poignant statement during the proceedings: 'What Ayden has done to me and the way he has treated me has made me less believing of people. When I am anxious, I feel sick, I struggle to sleep and can’t cope in public places without feeling overwhelmed. It made me re-live what happened and made me feel guilty and shame. I am worried that if he would be released from prison, that he might message me again and, if this happens, it will be like a circle for me and never-ending.' This testimony underscored the lasting trauma inflicted.

Avon and Somerset Police collaborated with Kent Police to bring charges against Reader. On Friday, 2 February 2024, the judge imposed the nine-year custodial sentence, along with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim. DC Melanie Downton from Avon and Somerset Police commended the victim's bravery: 'I would like to first commend the incredibly bravery shown by the victim in this case. She has shown incredible resilience and courage in come forward and supporting our investigation. I am pleased we could get this positive result for her and her family.' The case was reported by Somerset Live on 15 February 2024.