A 34-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for six years and two months for child sex offences.

John Joseph Sullivan, of Wharncliffe Road, Southampton, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday (17 June).

He had previously pleaded guilty to 31 counts of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 years, taking, making and distributing indecent images of a child, voyeurism and possession of extreme pornography. The incidents occurred in 2023.

Sullivan was first arrested in January this year. Following an examination of his electronic devices, he was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, he was also handed an extended licence period of three years and ten months, which he will serve upon his release from prison.

Sullivan was also made subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Speaking after sentencing, DC Aimee Scott-Molloy, of the Internet Child Abuse Team, said: “I’m pleased that justice has been served for the young victim and their family, and that Sullivan is behind bars, where he belongs.

“He is now locked up and no longer able to harm any other young person, ensuring children and the wider community are safer as a result.

“Sullivan stole the innocence of this child, but I would like to place on record my praise and admiration for the child and their family.

“They have shown incredible strength, courage and determination throughout this investigation.

“While I know this outcome won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Sullivan did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he is now locked up.”

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, DC Scott-Molloy, said: “I really hope this sentence will reassure victims and their families that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice.”

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support after rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary