This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-41640079

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Matthew Falder posed as female artist for online sex attacks Matthew Falder posed as female artist for online sex attacks
(35 minutes later)
A man said to be among the UK's most prolific paedophiles blackmailed people online into carrying out "degrading" sexual acts, a court heard.A man said to be among the UK's most prolific paedophiles blackmailed people online into carrying out "degrading" sexual acts, a court heard.
Cambridge graduate Matthew Falder, 28, admitted more than 100 offences, including encouraging a teenager to rape a four-year-old boy.Cambridge graduate Matthew Falder, 28, admitted more than 100 offences, including encouraging a teenager to rape a four-year-old boy.
Falder contacted 50 victims online over seven years, posing as a female artist, and sharing images on the dark web.Falder contacted 50 victims online over seven years, posing as a female artist, and sharing images on the dark web.
It took about 30 minutes to list the offences at Birmingham Crown Court.It took about 30 minutes to list the offences at Birmingham Crown Court.
'Hurtcore' charges'Hurtcore' charges
Falder, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, a Birmingham University researcher, admitted 137 charges, and denied another 50. Falder, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, a former geophysicist researcher at Birmingham University, admitted 137 charges, and denied another 50.
The number of offences makes him one of the country's most prolific paedophiles, BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said.The number of offences makes him one of the country's most prolific paedophiles, BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said.
Falder's case is said to be the National Crime Agency's first successful so-called "hurtcore" prosecution. Hurtcore relates to hidden forums on the dark web dedicated to sharing images and videos of rape, murder, sadism, torture, paedophilia, blackmail, humiliation and degradation.Falder's case is said to be the National Crime Agency's first successful so-called "hurtcore" prosecution. Hurtcore relates to hidden forums on the dark web dedicated to sharing images and videos of rape, murder, sadism, torture, paedophilia, blackmail, humiliation and degradation.
Midlands Live: Cyclist killed in bus crash; boxing brawl stab victim namedMidlands Live: Cyclist killed in bus crash; boxing brawl stab victim named
His victims were offered money in return for sending him naked photos, the court heard.His victims were offered money in return for sending him naked photos, the court heard.
Falder used the online names "666devil" and "evilmind" on websites such as Gumtree. He then blackmailed his victims into sending increasingly obscene images.Falder used the online names "666devil" and "evilmind" on websites such as Gumtree. He then blackmailed his victims into sending increasingly obscene images.
He also admitted charges of causing the sexual exploitation of a child, encouraging the rape of a four-year-old, making and distributing indecent images of children and voyeurism.He also admitted charges of causing the sexual exploitation of a child, encouraging the rape of a four-year-old, making and distributing indecent images of children and voyeurism.
Images that Falder shared included photographs showing children and babies being tortured, the court was told.Images that Falder shared included photographs showing children and babies being tortured, the court was told.
Ruona Iguyovwe, of the Crown Prosecution Service described Falder as "highly manipulative".Ruona Iguyovwe, of the Crown Prosecution Service described Falder as "highly manipulative".
"He clearly enjoyed humiliating his victims and the impact of his offending, which carried on over several years, has been significant," he said."He clearly enjoyed humiliating his victims and the impact of his offending, which carried on over several years, has been significant," he said.
Falder is expected to be sentenced at the beginning of December.Falder is expected to be sentenced at the beginning of December.
A spokesman for the University of Birmingham said: "The university is shocked to hear of the abhorrent crimes committed by a former post-doctoral researcher.
"We have no reason to believe that the offences are in any way connected with the university."