Paedophile told girl, 13, ‘don’t tell anyone’ about sexual activity

Police also found worrying content on the man’s electronic devices – he told officers he was ‘just curious’

A man who told a young girl not to tell anyone he engaged in a sexual activity with her has been jailed. Anthony Woodberry, 67, abused his victim, who was a 13-year-old girl at the time, in 2023.

After the offence, Woodberry told the girl not to tell anyone what happened. However, later that day the girl told her parents and they contacted the police.

Woodberry was arrested the following morning. Officers seized electronic devices from his home and found extreme pornography on them.

During the investigation, Woodberry admitted to possessing the extreme pornography. He claimed he didn’t realise it was illegal and he was “just curious”.

After a trial at Peterborough Crown Court in June, he was found guilty of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration.

At the same court on August 14, Woodberry, of Harvey Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Alice Tasker said: “Woodberry exploited and abused a young child in what was a deeply distressing offence. The victim showed great courage in speaking out about what had happened, and I would like to commend her bravery throughout the investigation and court process. Her actions ensured Woodberry was held accountable for his crimes.

“Child sexual abuse can have a lifelong impact on victims. We take all reports extremely seriously and will do everything we can to safeguard children, support victims and bring offenders to justice.”