British paedophile of Colchester imprisoned for sexually abusing children in Vietnam

Christopher Behn travelled to countries in south-east Asia to carry out abuse

By Edward Era Barbacena 

A "dangerous" paedophile who travelled to developing countries to groom and sexually abuse children has had his prison term extended.

Christopher Behn, of Colchester, targeted 10 boys, aged six to 11, in Vietnam from 2008 to 2018.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the crimes, which were detailed in Behn's diary, took place on at least 17 occasions.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with six years on extended licence.

The court heard police found eight videos and 254 photographs of the 68-year-old carrying out the sexual abuse which he had stored for his "sexual gratification".

Mark Gadsden, prosecuting, said Behn "travelled to remote areas of significant deprivation in order to ensure [the victims] have the least amount of protection".

Behn, who is already serving a six-year prison term for abusing 11 children in Myanmar in 2016, appeared at court on Friday via video link from HMP Albany on the Isle of Wight.

In August, Behn admitted 17 offences of sexually assaulting a child and four of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Recorder Karim Khalil KC said: "This was a campaign of sexual abuse against young boys over a prolonged period of time."

The latest sentence will run concurrently to the 12-year extended sentence he is already serving.

Behn was arrested at Gatwick Airport in February 2020 before he could board a flight to Vietnam.

Investigators had identified him as a member of a Europe-wide network whose members travelled together to abuse children across the globe.

The retired engineer had been uncovered after appearing in images with another member of the group - a Dutch national who has since been convicted.

His travel history showed he had visited Vietnam 18 times since 2006, along with trips to India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Thailand.

Behn and his Dutch counterpart had also written diaries describing in graphic detail the abuse they committed.

Mr Khalil said the Dutch paedophile acted as a "cameraman" while Behn abused his victims.

"You are, plainly, a dangerous offender," Mr Khalil said.

Behn was made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and banned from all foreign travel for five years.