Life sentence for Conisbrough child abuser

Lee Davis (39), of Conisbrough, admitted 20 offences including rape, sexual activity with a child and taking indecent photos of a child.

Anthony Marsh (53), from Hatfield in Doncaster, admitted 34 crimes including possessing and distributing indecent images of children and sexual activity with a child. He knew he had HIV when the offences took place.

Det Insp Delphine Waring said: “Today’s sentencing brings to a conclusion one of the most shocking series of sexual crimes committed against children that South Yorkshire Police has investigated.

“Marsh and Davis indulged their own depraved and criminal desires for many years against a number of young, impressionable and vulnerable young boys the length and breadth of the country.”

The offences date back as far as 2005 and involve 11 boys aged between 13 and 17.

DI Waring said: “Marsh’s crimes are especially deplorable because of his reckless attitude towards sexual health.

“Knowing he had HIV, he chose to engage in sexual conduct with teenage boys and in so doing demonstrated a complete disregard for their wellbeing and future health.

“But for Marsh and Davis’ victims, and their own families, today’s sentencing will not be the end of the story. The damage these two men have inflicted will last for many years to come.”

She added: “I would like to express my very sincere thanks to the many local authorities, local and national healthcare providers and specialist agencies who have all played a crucial role throughout our enquiries to help the investigation and to support the victims.

“I also pay tribute to the team of officers and specialist staff in South Yorkshire Police whose professionalism, dedication and determination to investigate these crimes have been richly rewarded by today's sentencing."