Robert Pasteiner, a 76-year-old pensioner from West Sussex, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court yesterday after being arrested at Heathrow Airport in February 2023 while attempting to travel to the Philippines to meet a 12-year-old girl. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that Pasteiner had packed condoms, Viagra, perfume, jewellery, a large sum of Filipino Pesos, and false documents in his luggage. He had planned to meet the child at his hotel.
Investigation and Arrest
Pasteiner first came to the attention of the NCA after making suspicious payments totalling over £200,000 to individuals in the Philippines, including facilitators of live-streamed child sexual abuse. Upon his arrest, investigators seized six electronic devices from his home containing indecent images of children. They also found handwritten notes detailing his communications, including names, phone numbers, emails, payment details, and descriptions of payments, some labelled as being for a 'show'.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
In May 2024, Pasteiner pleaded guilty to 36 offences, including causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, and making indecent images of children. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and will remain on the Sex Offender’s Register for life. Additionally, he is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until his death.
NCA Statement
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Danielle Pownall stated: "Robert Pasteiner is a depraved man who posed a significant threat to children around the world. The items recovered during our investigation are a clear sign of his intentions in travelling to the Philippines." She added: "With thanks to International law enforcement partners in the Philippines, we were able to arrest Pasteiner and safeguard victims. The NCA, along with partners at home and abroad, will continue to tirelessly hunt down perpetrators of child sexual abuse and protect the most vulnerable in our society."
