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Isle Of Wight Businessman Pleads Guilty To Serious Child Sex Offences

A prominent Isle of Wight businessman - and former owner of a popular children's play centre - has pleaded guilty to a string of serious sexual offences involving those aged as young as 10.

Appearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Friday), Peter Tomlinson, 63, of Baring Road, Cowes was warned he faces time in prison.

He admitted 12 sex offences involving children. As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, they include:

  • Five counts of paying for the sexual services of a girl under 13
  • Two counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child under 13
  • Two counts of intentionally encouraging/assisting the commission of an either way offence
  • Three counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo photographs of a child.

The court heard how Mr Tomlinson produced 47 category A photos, 148 category B photos and 353 Category C photos.

He also admitted to paying a mother to engage in sexual activity with her children, the court was told.

A National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation found that Mr Tomlinson had paid up to £5,000 in various transactions to an account in the Philippines. They involved paying to watch live streams of "serious child sexual abuse".

Those transactions were traced, with help from American authorities and the NCA, back to Mr Tomlinson.

Following his guilty plea today, Mr Tomlinson has been ordered to register himself as a sex offender.

The businessman is the former owner of JR Zone and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. He is no longer involved with either business.

He has been remanded in custody - and will appear at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on March 5 2021. 

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