Vile sex offender who wanted to ‘do a toddler’ sentenced to more jail time

A sex fiend who “traded” kiddie pics and discussed sexual fantasies involving children — who we can’t name — will be placed in protective custody to serve his sentence.

A man from the state’s southeast who the Herald Sun is unable to name will be staring at the inside of a jail cell for at least 15 months longer after he was sentenced for “disturbing” offending related to child abuse material.

The Herald Sun has been prevented from naming the man, who was granted the pseudonym Todd Jones, after a court order was made to suppress his identity.

Jones was caught not once but twice exchanging sickening images and video that depicted children as young as two being sexually abused.

Jones pleaded guilty in October to a string of charges relating to possessing and transmitting child abuse material.

He was sentenced on Friday and jailed for two years and 11 months.

Judge Gabriele Cannon said his offending was “repugnant” and enabled the “evil” industry of child abuse to be “proliferated”.

Jones used the app Telegram which encrypts messages to trade his vile pictures and videos.

As she handed Jones his sentence, Jones could be seen wiping his eyes and reaching for a tissue.

Despite being sentenced to a total of two years and 11 months behind bars it was ordered he be released after just 15 months and then be subjected to strict conditions for five years post release.

Jones started using mobile messaging program Telegram in September 2020 to connect with people and “trade” child abuse material, the court heard during his plea.

He would send pictures and videos and also ask for them in return, engaging in both private chats and a group chat named “Kindergarten”.

The court heard in one chat there was material which depicted children as young as two being abused.

When he was first bailed Jones was banned from using any social media, when he was busted a second time he had social media apps on his phone.

Jones responded to videos and pictures he received by saying things like “mmmm hot”.

When discussing a video of a toddler shared in one of his chats the court heard he asked the other user “where can we find one?” and discussed sexual fantasies involving children.

Another picture Jones received in a chat depicted a naked young boy with vile writing on his chest.

There were also images and videos of children being penetrated, bound, gagged and abused by adults.

During a search warrant Australian Federal Police also found a folder on his phone containing almost 800 child abuse images.

He was arrested and bailed in 2021, before continuing to offend earlier this year.

Images and videos Jones had depicted young children being abused.

During sentencing Judge Cannon said it was concerning Jones had shown remorse and insight into his offending when he was first arrested but then continue offending once he had been bailed.

Darcy Dempsey, acting for Jones, submitted to the court the offending occurred during a period of hardship for Jones after he lost his cleaning job due to Covid lockdowns.

He was also in the middle of a marriage breakdown after he began to “explore his sexuality” and had an affair with a friend.

Judge Cannon said she had read through all the messages provided to the court and she found them disturbing.

“I have read these chats and they make for the most disturbing reading,” she said.

Jones has been in custody since his he was arrested in February.

“This offending is repugnant.

“People like you allow for the proliferation of the evil child abuse industry.”

A pseudonym order was granted to prevent Jones’ children and ex-wife from being identified.

Jones’ ex wife was present at the plea hearing in support of Jones and also provided a character reference to the court.

Jones has been in custody since his final arrest in February this year but the sentence was ordered to begin from the date of sentencing.