A dangerous paedophile who traveled to developing countries to groom and sexually abuse children has had his prison sentence extended. Christopher Behn, a resident of Colchester, targeted 10 boys between the ages of six and 11 in Vietnam over a period of 10 years. The crimes, which were documented in Behn’s diary, occurred on at least 17 occasions. He was initially sentenced to 11 years in prison with an additional six years on extended license.
During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, it was revealed that police discovered eight videos and 254 photographs of the 68-year-old engaging in sexual abuse. These materials were stored by Behn for his own “sexual gratification.” Mark Gadsden, the prosecutor, stated that Behn deliberately traveled to remote areas with significant deprivation in order to target victims who had the least protection.
Behn is already serving a six-year prison term for abusing 11 children in Myanmar in 2016. He appeared in court via video link from HMP Albany on the Isle of Wight. In August, Behn pleaded guilty to 17 offenses of sexually assaulting a child and four offenses of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Recorder Karim Khalil KC, addressing Behn, described his actions as a “campaign of sexual abuse against young boys over a prolonged period of time.” The latest sentence will run concurrently with the 12-year extended sentence Behn is already serving.
Behn’s arrest took place at Gatwick Airport in February 2020, just before he was about to board a flight to Vietnam. Investigators had identified him as a member of a Europe-wide network that traveled together to abuse children worldwide. His involvement was uncovered after he appeared in images with another member of the group, a Dutch national who has since been convicted.
Behn’s travel history revealed that he had visited Vietnam 18 times since 2006, in addition to trips to India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand. Both Behn and his Dutch counterpart had written diaries that provided graphic details of the abuse they committed. The court heard that the Dutch paedophile acted as a “cameraman” while Behn carried out the abuse.
Mr. Khalil emphasized that Behn is a dangerous offender. As part of his sentencing, Behn was subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and banned from all foreign travel for five years.
If you have any information or stories to share, you can contact East of England news via Facebook, Instagram, or email at eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk. You can also reach them via WhatsApp at 0800 169 1830.
