Crawley paedophile jailed after Sussex Police seize devices

William Mousdell collated thousands of indecent images of children including hundreds of the most serious photos and videos.

Mousdell, 49, of Beeches Crescent in Crawley, hid his depraved acts from those closest to him and left families “devastated” by his crimes.

Sussex Police Investigator Rob Henshaw said: “William Mousdell is a committed offender, who went to great lengths to seek out, create and share the most abhorrent images of children.

“He is a devious and manipulative individual, who hid his activities from those closest to him and has left both his own and extended families devastated.

“Every child that appeared in those images was violated by Mousdell and his contacts online, including some children he knew personally. That betrayal of trust cannot be overstated.

“Mousdell is now behind bars where he can cause no further harm, and will be subject to a number of strict court orders that will severely limit his ability to reoffend once released.

“I cannot commend enough the strength and the bravery of the victims in this matter and the immediate families who have supported this investigation throughout with courage in face of such traumatic revelations.”

William Mousdell (Image: Sussex Police)

Mousdell was arrested at his home on December 14, 2022 after police linked his address to indecent images uploaded to the internet.

Several devices contained thousands of indecent images of children, including hundreds of the most serious, Category A, moving and still images.

Some of the images were non-sexual pictures of children known to him, which had been edited to appear to show sexual and violent acts.

Mousdell was subsequently charged with, and convicted of, three counts of making or possessing indecent images of children.

Mousdell was jailed for 31 months at a hearing in Lewes Crown Court in March. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register and given multiple Restraining Orders.