County Durham Snapchat paedophile found guilty of sick offences in just 11 minutes

Mark Dodds, of Spennymoor, was found guilty of six counts of sexual assaults on a child at Durham Crown Court; after he had already pleaded guilty to 58 other offences

A jury found a paedophile guilty of several sexual offences involving children at Durham Crown Court in just 11 minutes.

Mark Dodds, 38, physically and emotionally abused a large number of children between the ages of eight and 15 over a ten-year-period, often blackmailing them if they refused to send him naked images or perform sexual acts during the contact. His offending came to light when Durham Constabulary were notified by another police force that he was having sexual contact over Snapchat with a 12-year-old.

Using the social media platform, Dodds incited the victim to carry out sexual acts whilst on live video calls to him. He recorded the calls without the victim's knowledge and threatened to distribute the recordings if the victim did not send more.

During the investigation, detectives found that Dodds had incited numerous girls from across the UK and America to perform sexual acts online, recording them and keeping them for his own sexual gratification as well as distributing them online. After police reviewed his devices, it became clear that he had targeted one of his victims six times and had recorded the offences on his mobile.

Thousands of indecent images of category A, B and C in nature were also recovered from his devices. Bishop Auckland CID, working with a safeguarding team and victim identification officer Laura Robinson, identified the individual in the footage and immediately put safeguarding measures in place to protect her.

Dodds was arrested at his flat in Spennymoor for the multitude of offences last year. When officers arrived, Dodds was naked and live streaming indecent images of children on his laptop in his living room.

After refusing officers entry, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer, he was eventually detained and placed in handcuffs. Prior to trial, Dodds pleaded guilty to 58 offences which included sexual communication with children; blackmail; taking, possessing and distributing indecent images; and assault on an emergency worker.

Last week, he pleaded not guilty to six counts of sexual assaults on a child at Durham Crown Court. Following a three-day trial, in which the victim provided evidence, it took jury members just 11 minutes to find him guilty of all six counts.

Throughout the trial, it was highlighted that Dodds would stare at officers in an attempt to intimidate them. He has been remanded in custody before his sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on January 6.

Detective Sergeant Lorraine Medd, who led the investigation, said: "This was a distressing and lengthy investigation drawing together evidence from a number of devices and victims. Dodds subjected several vulnerable children to multiple forms of sexual abuse, robbing them of their childhood and leaving them with emotional scars which they may never truly recover from.

"I want to highlight the courage shown by the victim, who was forced to relive the abuse and provide evidence – their strength to stand up to Dodds is commendable. Alongside this, I would like to thank the investigation team who worked relentlessly and tirelessly to safeguard children and bring Mark Dodds to justice.

"I am delighted that the jury returned the verdict so quickly, ultimately protecting further children from becoming victims. I hope this result will allow the children to close this chapter of their lives and start their healing journey."

Durham Constabulary added: "You can report suspected abuse or concerns to Durham Constabulary by calling 101, or 999 if life is in immediate danger.

"Alternatively, reports can be made completely anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Concerns can also be reported to Durham County Council on 03000 267 979, or Darlington Borough Council on 01325 406222."

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