Worker ran a vile paedophile group on the messaging app Telegram

Ryan Michelini, 38, from Blyth, was administrator of the ‘Brotherhood’ group, which exchanged child sexual abuse material.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the group had 40 other “like-minded” members, who could only join if they provided indecent images or videos.

Michelini was caught after speaking to an undercover police officer on the popular messaging app.

Detectives raided his home address and discovered hundreds of sickening videos and photos of children on his phone and iPad.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said Michelini was the “gatekeeper” of the Telegram group.

She added: “It was set up specifically by him to share child sexual abuse material - indeed it was a prerequisite for membership of the group.”

Michelini admitted a string of child sex offences, including taking, making and distributing indecent images of children.

He also pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and publishing an advert relating to an indecent image of a child.

The offences all took place between 2022 and last November.

Nigel Hedley, defending, said his client was “extremely remorseful” for his offending.

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He said he had lost his job and was now separated from his partner of 17 years.

Michelini, who appeared via video link from HMP Durham, sobbed as he was jailed for seven years and two months.

He was also handed an extended sentence of three years on licence.

Jailing Michelini, Recorder Andrew Haslam KC said he continues to pose a “significant risk of serious harm to children”.

Words: martin Fricker