Paul Hopkins, 50, of Romsey, has been jailed after admitting 25 child sexual offences, including the rape of a UK child and arranging the livestreamed abuse of a nine-year-old in the Philippines. He received a 30-year extended sentence — 22 years in custody plus eight years on licence. Police said Hopkins also advised others on evading detection; the Philippines was identified as a key hub for this exploitation and the UK as a major consumer.
‘Most Dangerous’ Child Sex Offender Jailed for 22 Years After UK Rape and Livestreamed Abuse in Philippines
The judge gave Hopkins a 30-year extended sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court [SWROCU]
A Hampshire man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting a string of child sexual offences, including arranging live-streamed abuse of a young child overseas and raping a girl in the UK.
Paul Hopkins, 50, of Romsey, pleaded guilty to 25 sexual offences involving children. At Bournemouth Crown Court he was given a 30-year extended sentence — meaning he will serve 22 years in custody followed by eight years on licence.
Offences and Investigation
Detective Inspector Dave Wells of the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) described Hopkins as the most dangerous sex offender his team has investigated. Wells said this assessment reflected both the severity and number of offences and Hopkins's role in advising other offenders how to evade detection when accessing illicit material and livestreaming abuse.
Hopkins was arrested in March 2025 after investigators uncovered plans to meet a young girl with intent to sexually abuse her. That inquiry led police to a livestreamed assault on a nine-year-old girl in the Philippines. Officers also recovered material from Hopkins's devices showing non-recent attacks on a child in the UK.
Charges
Police recorded 11 offences against the UK victim, including the rape of a child under 13, multiple attempted rapes and sexual assaults, incitement to sexual activity, and counts of taking, possessing and distributing indecent images. Hopkins pleaded guilty to 14 offences connected to the Philippines victim, including arranging sexual exploitation and multiple counts of arranging sexual assaults and creating and distributing indecent images.
Authorities in the Philippines arrested the child's mother, who is alleged to have facilitated the abuse.
Wider Context
The National Crime Agency said the Philippines remains a key hub for this type of exploitation and listed the UK among the top three consumer countries. SWROCU and partner agencies continue investigations into networks that facilitate online child abuse and livestreaming.
Comment: Investigators highlighted the cross-border nature of modern child sexual exploitation and emphasised the importance of international cooperation to identify offenders and protect victims.
Hopkins's sentence aims to reflect both the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he posed to children.
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