South Shields predator jailed after arranging to watch sexual abuse of 12-year-old

A South Shields paedophile has been jailed after arranging to watch sexual abuse of a child online.

Tony Bonner, 62, is now behind bars after he was caught making arrangements to watch a live stream of a 12-year-old girl being sexually abused.

In 2023, Bonner engaged in communication with someone online who he believed had access to children overseas who he could watch being sexually assaulted via live stream and eventually meet.

Paedophile didn’t realise he was speaking to police

However, what he didn’t realise was he was actually speaking to a police officer who was closing in through their investigation.

A strike was planned, and in June 2024 Bonner was arrested by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) with the support of Northumbria Police.

Officers also seized electronic devices to further build their evidence case and discovered indecent photographs and videos of children.

Bonner was subsequently charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possession of indecent images of a child.

Guilty plea and prison sentence

Faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, Bonner eventually pleaded guilty to all charges.

On Friday, Bonner, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and was sentenced to four years in prison and a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “The vile actions of Bonner were clear and thanks to the dedicated work of officers he is now behind bars and facing the consequences of his actions.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police – support is available and you can help safeguard other vulnerable children.”

If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.