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Description

A convicted sex offender from Aberdeen broke the law again on the day he was released from prison — by setting up a TikTok account.

Mark Innes, 31, had been sentenced at the city’s sheriff court in July, 2020, for four offences. Two related to sexual communication with a child while two others were revenge porn crimes.

Innes — never previously in trouble — was handed a nine-month prison term. He was also ordered, indefinitely, to comply with sex offender register requirements which barred him from setting up social media accounts.

Prosecutor Steven Ball told Carlisle Crown Court: “On July 1, 2023, Police Scotland advised local police that the defendant was staying with his girlfriend in the Carlisle area.”

Innes, said Mr Ball, usually lived in Aberdeen and was supervised there by offender managers. When local officers in Cumbria paid him a visit to check compliance, he surrendered a Samsung mobile phone.

“Officers became concerned that he had accessed a site — believed to be a child sex abuse site — via Google five times on June 12,” said Mr Ball. “He had also accessed the Telegram site that day.

“Further examination of his phone revealed that he had established a number of social media accounts. The first one, TikTok, was created on the day of his release from his recall to custody on May 9.”

Instagram had been set up on May 31 and one on another messaging app several weeks later.” The court heard Innes had been recalled to prison on licence in March, 2022, before being released on May 9 this year.

In interview, Innes admitted to using Telegram and a chat group on which adult pornography was being shared. He spoke of clicking on a link he was given with four indecent child images emerging.

“He claimed to have been disgusted with what he had seen and went back into the site as he wanted to find a way of anonymously reporting it,” said Mr Ball. “Out of the five times he went into the account, the last two times were in order to delete it.

“He couldn’t explain why he thought he would be accessing adult porn given the name of the site. He told the police that he had scrolled past some of the images but they just downloaded, by themselves. He maintained that this must have been accidental.

“He fully admitted to creating the social media accounts and not informing the police within three days of their creation; he was under the impression that he had given the police his email account details and he had used that to set up the accounts even thought they were under a user name that bore no relation to his own name.”

Innes admitted four counts of breaching notification requirements and three of making indecent images of children — including 22 classed in category A, the most serious.

After considering mitigation, Recorder Kate Bex KC imposed an immediate 16-month jail term.

Innes, latterly of Crawton Ness, Cove Bay, Aberdeen, remains subject to the notification requirements. He must also observe 19 additional conditions as part of a separate sexual harm prevention order which will run for the next 10 years.

Description

A man showed videos of children being sexually abused to a fellow swinger he met on a sex website to "heighten the sexual pleasure" of their encounter.

Former Admiral Insurance worker Stephen Harris met the man through the FabSwingers site, and during the course of their online chats asked him what was the "filthiest" pornography he had seen. The pair then met up to engage in sexual activity during which the defendant showed the man videos on his phone of young girls being raped. The man fled the encounter and reported what he had seen to the police.

Sending Harris to prison a judge said he had no doubt the defendant derived sexual gratification from watching videos of children being sexually abused and tortured.

Alycia Carpanini, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that Harris and the witness in the case met on a website called FabSwingers where the defendant went by the name BenJones69. The pair communicated online, and it was only later that they realised that they lived on the same street in Port Talbot. During the course of their conversation Harris asked the man what was the "filthiest porn" he liked, and the defendant talked about boys and girls and said he was interested in extreme pornography.

The court heard the pair arranged to meet for sex at the defendant's house on the morning of March 1 this year, and that while engaging in sexual activity Harris produced his phone, tapped a link, and handed the device to the man.

The videos which played showed young girls being raped by men. The witness got up at this point and left the property without saying anything to the defendant. 

Harris subsequently messaged the man and asked if "everything was good" - the witness made it clear to him that it was not okay.

The prosecutor said the witness continued the conversation to try to extract more information from Harris before going to the police, and during the conversation the defendant said he was part of a group of people - including a number of people who lived locally - who were interested in child pornography.

The witness reported the incident to police that morning, and 41-year-old Harris was arrested at his house later that same day on suspicion of possessing indecent images. A number of electronic items including a phone, iPad, laptop computer, X-Box games console, and Garmin smart watch were seized and sent for a digital forensic examination. Officers found a total of 180 indecent images on the Samsung phone including 69 of Category A showing the most extreme kinds of sexual abuse.

The court heard some of these Category A images Harris had featured girls as young as four being raped by men. Police also recovered images involving women performing sex acts with horses.

In his police interview Harris admitted receiving indecent images via the Telegram messaging app and then sharing them with others. He said he was suffering with depression and was looking for companionship, and that communicating with other people on the app was his way of coping. Harris also said he would experiment with drugs and watching child pornography.

Stephen Harris, of St Mary Street, Port Talbot, had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of Categories A, B and C, distributing images of Category A - the videos he showed to the witness - and possession of extreme pornography when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He has no previous convictions.

Georgia Donohue, for Harris, said the defendant had co-operated fully with police and had not tried to hide his offending. She said her client's low self esteem and depression had been the "catalyst" for the offending, and he was ashamed of what he had done and wished to apologise to his parents and children who were suffering the consequences of his actions. The barrister said Harris had worked for Admiral Insurance for 10 years prior to his arrest, and was keen to take advantage of any help that the probation and other services could offer.

Recorder David Harris said it was clear that in order to "heighten the sexual experience" of the encounter with the witness the defendant had shown him videos of children being sexually abused and tortured. He said he had no doubt the defendant got "sexual gratification" from viewing such images but said the witness had been "shocked and repulsed" by what he had see on the screen and had reported the matter to police.

With a one-third discount for his guilty pleas and in accordance with the sentencing guidelines the defendant was sentenced to two years in prison. He will serve up to half that period in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community. Harris was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Description

Mark Lucas was jailed for 12 years after subjecting a young girl to years of sexual abuse.

The brave victim came forward after eight years of abuse. Mark Lucas was arrested a few days later the Bedfordshire Police Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) team.

Lucas, 44, pled guilty to three counts of rape of a girl under 13 and one count of attempted rape of a girl under 13. He also pleaded guilty to ten counts of sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He appeared at Luton Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offender register.

Description

A man has been caged after he was found guilty of non-recent sexual attacks on a child. Piers Brilliant, 49, has been caged for 15 years over the abhorrent offences.

Brilliant, of Wallshead Way in Newport, Shropshire, was convicted of two counts of rape, attempted rape, 12 counts of sexual assaults against a female under 13, possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography

He was jailed on Friday, July 28, at Telford Magistrates' Court. Brilliant will also be on the sex offender register for life.

Sergeant Tim Street, of West Mercia Police, said: "We welcome the sentence that was handed to Brilliant by the judge, and that he will rightly spend time in prison for his crimes.

"Id like to commend the victim for their courage in coming forward to report what Brilliant has done, and I hope this helps to show that we take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and will thoroughly investigate them regardless of how long ago they took place."

A spokesperson for the force added: "If you feel you are, or have been, a victim of any sexual offence you can report it to us online, on 101 or via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk. This is a free, independent and confidential support service. In an emergency always dial 999.

"If you do not feel comfortable speaking to police officers, you can contact a Rape Crisis Centre which specialises in helping victims of rape and sexual assault - including providing medical care and counselling. For information and details on how to contact or refer please visit Rape Crisis England & Wales."

Description

A man who broke into an Oldham care home and tried to rape an elderly woman has been jailed.

Jake Astley, of Sharples Hall Street, Oldham, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday (July 31) after pleading guilty to attempted rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in May.

Prosecution counsel Rachel Faux told the court that in the early hours of January 1 this year, Astley, 22, tried to gain entry into a care home in Oldham care home by kicking a door, before eventually entering through a faulty door at around 2.30am.

Three employees became aware of Astley's trespassing but he began shouting and threatening them while holding a butter knife, forcing the staff to hide and call the police.

When police arrived, Astley had locked himself inside a resident's room, but police managed to gain access through a master key.

When they entered, Astley was found half-naked while his elderly victim was lying in bed with significant injuries to her head and face, including bruising and a cut which had caused bleeding.

The victim is not able to verbally communicate and suffers with dementia and partial paralysis, the court heard.

During bodycam footage of the arrest, which was played in court, Astley could be heard screaming that he had been "forced to do it" by the victim.

In a police interview, Astley said he had been drinking from 5am the previous day and had taken cocaine, causing him to have no recollection of the incident.

The victim's granddaughter read out a victim impact statement to the court, saying the victim used to be "happy" but has now become "withdrawn" and no longer eats food, causing her to be hospitalised.

The woman said she will "remember the trauma" of the day she visited the victim in the hospital for the rest of her life.

She added: "Jake Astley has not just destroyed my grandma's life but mine and my family's lives.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to get over the trauma of this."

Defending, Stuart Neale, said it appeared that Astley was "in the midst of a psychotic episode" at the time of the incident and that he had no recollection of the events having been "off his head".

He said Astley feels deep and genuine remorse and now "hates himself" for his actions which he described as "horrible", before adding that Astley has expressed suicidal thoughts.

Mr Neale said Astley's history of drinking and taking drugs had begun during his teenage years, saying it is "difficult to imagine a worse adolescence" than the one Astley experienced.

A psychiatric report said that Astley had a history of mental illness.

When passing sentence, Judge Bernadette Baxter said the report had ruled out that Astley was having a psychotic episode at the time of the incident.

Judge Baxter said to Astley: "You have quite simply devastated [the victim's] final years and these years for her whole family.

"The consequences of your offending will stay with them forever."

Judge Baxter sentenced Astley to 10-and-a-half years in prison, which he will serve at least two thirds of before he can be referred to a parole board for release, as well as an extended licence period of three years.

Astley was also placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Sharon Harper of GMP’s Oldham district said: “The crimes that Jake Astley committed that night were horrific and we would like to thank the victim, her loved ones and the care home staff for their continued support throughout our investigations. This was no doubt a long and distressing investigation for the victim and her loved ones.

“Jake Astley – whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol - was able to gain access to the premises and arrogantly and knowingly walk through the care home to commit crime where vulnerable adults resided whilst he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“He not only put the care home’s residents and staff through danger by threatening them with a knife and chasing them through their place of work or their home with a knife, but he then committed further atrocious crimes to a vulnerable elderly woman.

“Astley knowingly entered the victim’s bedroom, preyed upon her vulnerabilities, and began to assault and sexually assault her. His crimes are horrific and his lack of remorse for the victim and her welfare is despicable. Astley is a dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him.

“We also completely understand that this case taking place in an assisted living/care home environment will cause some concern within the local community.

“We would like to assure members of the public that incidents like these are extremely rare, and we are working in collaboration with local authorities, care homes and support organisations to ensure that vulnerable people and residents are better protected and supported from all partners including GMP.

“This case demonstrates the seriousness with which Greater Manchester Police deal with report of sexual assaults, including those committed against women and girls. We will believe you; we will support you and we will do everything we can to bring an offender to justice.”

Description

A sick Brighouse man who raped a young girl has been put behind bars.

Benny Adams, 37, was found guilty of two counts of rape and four other sexual offences after a trial at Bradford Crown Court in April this year. The girl has been left suffering nightmares of the abuse, and her mum says she is now "very damaged" and cannot live the life of a normal child.

It was said the girl had told Adams that "it hurt" while he was abusing her and explained to officers what had happened by using a body map and doll.

The court heard on Monday that the young girl - who must not be named for legal reasons - has nightmares where Adams gets into her bed and has "red eyes." In a statement read to the court, her mother said: “I worry about what the future holds for (her) and how it will affect her in the future."

Anastasis Tasou, for Adams, told the court he will be spending a "very long time" in prison, and it would change he rest of his life. As he jailed Adams for 13 years for the abuse which happened in 2019, Recorder Doig told him: “She said she told you it hurt but you didn’t listen."

He said he had no doubt that the offending had had a significant impact on the girl.

Adams will now have to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life and he will have to comply with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order following his his release after serving at least two thirds of his 13-year jail term.

Description

An ex-doctor who sexually assaulted a patient after visiting her at home has been jailed for 18 months for the offence.

Simon Abraham, 34, of Penrith Way, Eastbourne, was working at Eastbourne District General Hospital when he contacted the female patient, who had been discharged after treatment.

Abraham had told the woman that he had a call from a colleague who was "concerned about her condition". The offender then said that he had been trained in specialist massage in India for two years and could visit her.

She agreed to his visit but during the massage he sexually assaulted her. He left when a visitor came to the house, but continued to phone her afterwards.

The patient then contacted the hospital who advised her that they would investigate, but she should also contact police. An investigation was launched and Abraham was arrested.

After a four day trial at Chichester Crown Court on May 26, Abraham was found guilty of sexual assault. He was sentenced on July 14 to 18 months in prison, with nine months custodial and nine months on licence.

The court also heard how he will be placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years and is subject to a five year restraining order to protect the victim from contact by him. DC Jo Gledhill said: "Abraham took advantage of the victim's pain, fraudulently accessing her patient details even though he wasn't officially treating her, and then visiting her when he finished work, claiming that he could massage her headache away.

"When he was arrested, he denied that it happened at all, but then asked for a further interview where he admitted going to her house, but did not sexually touch her. We will always take reports of this nature very seriously and specially trained officers will deal with your call. If you have been sexually assaulted, please contact us and we will investigate."

Description

A 40-year-old man who secretly communicated with a 14-year-old girl after giving her a mobile phone and met up with her in a park has been jailed for 21 months.

Sentencing Daniel Stacey at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Emma Peters said he’d met up with the schoolgirl six times over a two week period in September last year.

She said Stacey had previous convictions for making indecent images and it was clear that he had a sexual interest in young children which was “deeply troubling”.

Judge Peters accepted his physical contact with the victim was restricted to holding her hand and attempting to kiss and hug her.

However, she said Stacey had told the girl he loved her which was “deeply inappropriate” in view of the fact she was 14 and he was 40.

Judge Peters said Stacey had given the girl a mobile phone which she used to contact him and he gad also given her a computer game.

The police were contacted after her mother discovered the phone and Stacey had gone to the family phone and asked the girl’s mother to give him back the device and not to contact the police.

Stacey, of Sproughton Court, Ipswich, admitted meeting a child following sexual grooming and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

He was jailed for 21 months and banned from contacting the victim and her family indefinitely.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for the same period.

The court heard that Stacey, who was given a community order in 2008 for making indecent images of children, had been in custody for ten months which was the equivalent of a 20-month prison sentence.

Charles Myatt, for Stacey, said his client had some learning difficulties and was emotionally immature.

He said because of his emotional immaturity he was drawn to people chronologically younger than him and he wasn’t a predatory paedophile.

Description

A man who raped a woman he met on a night out has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

Joseph Faulkner, 40, had claimed during his trial that any sexual activity with his victim had been consensual, but that they had not had sex as the amount of alcohol he had drunk impeded his biological functioning.

Jurors at Oxford Crown Court rejected his defence in May, convicting him of rape and two other counts of sexual assault.

In an impact statement read to his sentencing hearing by prosecutor Matthew Walsh on Thursday (July 27), the victim said she hoped the case would ensure Faulkner did not commit such a ‘horrific offence’ in the future.

She was also hopeful that she would now ‘finally be able to move forward with my life’.

Faulkner, of Park Close, North Leigh, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years by Judge Maria Lamb, who told him that he would serve two-thirds of that sentence behind bars before being eligible for release.

“That night I am satisfied your victim had made it plain to you on more than one occasion that she had no sexual interest in you whatsoever,” Judge Lamb said.

“Unfortunately, you took it upon yourself to take advantage of the situation which found you in the same quarters as [your victim] when she was ready to go to bed.

“I am quite sure, having reminded myself of the evidence, that she was either asleep or suffering the effects of alcohol and she is properly to be regarded on the [legal] authorities as particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances.”

The judge added: “Very significant harm has been suffered by your victim.”

The woman had been taking anti-depressant medication, there were repercussions with her then boyfriend, and it was said to have ‘spoilt her enjoyment of her pregnancies’, Judge Lamb said.

In May, jurors heard that the victim and the defendant met during a night out at the Woodman pub in North Leigh in 2019.

He returned with her to a flat, where he made advances towards her. She pretended to be asleep and even feigned snores in order to put Faulkner off, the court heard.

In mitigation, Rónán McCann told the judge on Thursday that his client and the man’s family had made a ‘number of attempts’ at writing letters to the judge.

“Words cannot express the impact upon them with regards to the circumstances we are now in today,” the barrister said. Faulkner very concerned for his mother, who suffered ill-health.

As a result of the jail term imposed, the defendant will remain on the sex offender register for life.

Description

A former school taxi driver from Dundee has been handed a 13-year-sentence after being convicted of three child rapes by a High Court jury.

Ronald Smith raped a 13-year-old at Riverside Pavilion in Dundee on multiple occasions in his car between February 9 and January 1 2021.

Description

A trans-identified male who was caught attempting to sexually abuse children in two separate predator stings at two different locations by two different paedophile hunting groups has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Danielle Edney, 30, of Crawley was first caught attempting to meet who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl for sexual abuse in May of 2022 by the predator hunting team STOP who did it on behalf of SLC and the decoy was Harry Taylor.

Months later, Edney was caught a second time in an unrelated sting while attempting to meet a 14-year-old girl for sexual abuse by PEST (Predators Exposed Sting Team).

Edney sometimes goes by the name “Ariana Grande.” According to his Facebook profile, Edney is the founder of “Transgender Trust.” Edney previously attempted to crowdfund £13,000 for his “charity” but failed to raise any money whatsoever. In the crowd funder description he described Transgender Trust as a “charity” and himself as the “charity’s director.” Transgender Trust is not registered with the UK’s charity commission.

In May of 2022, Edney was caught in a predator sting after communicating with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy managed by the predator hunters at STOP Sting. The group explained that Edney told the 13-year-old to “pack an overnight bag and bring her school uniform and bikini.” He also reportedly instructed the decoy to visit a sexual health clinic for condoms prior to the meeting, and reportedly spoke of using restraints on the child.

At the intended meet-up spot, Edney was confronted by the pedophile hunters who then passed the evidence over to police. During the May sting, Edney confirms he was 29-years-old at the time and was attempting to meet a 13-year-old child. He made the excuse that he seeks out children for sex because of his lack of success with adult dating and also stated he has a lot in common with 13-year-olds.

He admitted to predator hunters that he had been previously arrested for impersonating a police officer at the pride parade in Crawley, West Sussex because he had been carrying police-grade handcuffs. He claimed the handcuffs were for “protection,” but didn’t specify from what.

“I’m a transwoman of God, I’ll tell you the truth,” Edney said during his first sting, before confessing to talking to children online since 2019. He also claimed he was struggling with demons who directed his actions. “Okay, the majority of this incident is my fault but some if it is down to my demons, Beelzebub and Lucifer,” Edney told the paedophile hunters.

Footage of the May sting was uploaded to Twitter on January 29 and began to attract attention. Edney was ultimately arrested on May 14 following the sting. He was released from custody shortly after, and soon became increasingly vocal online against paedophile hunting groups while using the social media handle “Sussex Bail Bonds.”

In December of 2022, Edney would be caught in a predator sting once again by an unrelated paedophile hunting group initially unaware of his past criminal history. When asked why he pursued children for sex, Edney repeatedly insisted that he had “uncontrollable sexual urges.” He stated he had never had sexual relations before, and consumed pornography as well as used sex toys to address his desires.

“Because I’ve not had sex in my entire life because I’ve not had what you guys have got which is a proper relationship,” Edney told. The team passed the evidence onto police and Edney was again arrested. The Crown Prosecution Service allowed the pervert to be remanded into custody.

As well as being sentenced to four years, a five year extended sentence was also given. He was told to register as a sex offender, and a sexual harm prevention order was put in place.

Description

A paedophile rapist who raped a girl in the back of his delivery van has been given a huge sentence. Steven Bielby, 68, also met the young victim from school to rape and abuse her.

Bielby, of Woodfield Road in Bude, appeared at Truro Crown Court to be sentenced after pleading guilty to four rape charges and indecency with a child, but only after going on the run before entering guilty pleas. Bielby fled Cornwall before he was due to stand trial, but was pinged by an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera near Swindon and brought back to Cornwall when he eventually held his hands up to what he did.

Prosecuting the case, Jason Beal told the court how the offences took place more than 30 years ago. Bielby groomed the young girl by buying her presents and began sexually abusing her from aged 13. Mr Beal explained that Bielby was employed as a fruit and veg driver and would take her on journeys before raping her in the back and dropping her off. She attempted to deter him by saying she was worried somebody would see them but he carried on regardless.

This abuse took place on numerous occasions and Bielby also met the young victim from school to rape and abuse her at other locations. Mr Beal said: "She didn't fight it because it was so routine." He added that he encouraged his victim to shave her public hair and also steal condoms from shops.

In a victim impact statement the victim said she was denied a proper education as a result of the abuse and had few friends. She suffered a breakdown and was put on anti-psychotic medication. Representing Bielby, Rupert Taylor said that his client has health issues, is unwell and doesn't seek to minimise his actions.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Carr said: "This was systematic and long-term rape. You chose to groom and prepare her for the sex acts that followed. She could never protect herself of find anyone to go to protect her. You treated her as something that was disposable."

Addressing Bielby absconding, Judge Carr said it was "simple cowardice" and Bielby couldn't face up to what he had done. Bielby was jailed for 20 years.

Description

Deranged James Ford, 33, ambushed two teenagers and two women in a spate of “worrying” incidents in Andover. It led to the flasher being jailed for two years at Winchester Crown Court.

The sex attacks happened on June 23, with the first of those taking place at around 1pm when a 29-year-old woman was on Anton Lane when Ford cycled past her. He then dismounted from his bicycle and pulled down his trousers before putting his hand in his pants and touching himself inappropriately in front of her.

A short while later, Ford cycled past a 17-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her. This was at the junction of Colonzo Drive and Vigo Road.

Officers then received a report at around 2.45pm that a 23-year-old woman saw a man masturbating in some bushes on Picket Twenty.

Ford also assaulted a 14-year-old girl on the same day. At around 4pm the victim was walking on Anton Lane Path when Ford cycled past her and sexually assaulted her.

Following police enquiries, Ford was arrested at his home address on 24 June. Whilst at his address, officers seized a bicycle matching the description given by the victims.

Ford, of Dines Close in Andover, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent exposure, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On top of his two-year jail term, Ford received a seven year restraining order for each of the victims and his Sexual Harm Prevention order amended to include further restrictions.

Detective Sergeant Mike Jarvis said: “Ford’s behaviour towards these women is very worrying and I am glad that he has been held accountable for his actions.

“I hope this result sends a clear message that we take these reports very seriously and will investigate thoroughly. I am pleased that we have secured justice for these victims. Reducing violence against women and girls remains one of our top priorities and together with other agencies we do a lot of work to tackle this issue.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind people that if you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it to us – you will be listened to and you will be taken seriously. We will also work to get you the support that you need.”

Description

A PERVERTED west Cumbrian pensioner tried to meet up with a 14-year-old boy so he could sexually abuse him.

But unbeknown to 75-year-old Whitehaven man Geoffrey Restrick, the “child” was an under-cover police officer.

The pensioner admitted attempting to sexually communicate with a child and arranging to meet him so he could commit a child sex offence. At Carlisle Crown Court, prosecutor Kim Whittlestone outlined the facts of the defendant’s offending.  

The attempted sexual communication happened online over a ten-day period, between June 19 and 29, the court heard. It involved Restrick exchanging messages with a person who identified himself as a 14-year-old boy.

“There were numerous discussions about meeting up and about the sexual acts they would engage in,” said Miss Whittlestone. The communication initially happened on the Grindr social networking site.

Restrick was using the online name “Discreet Fun.”

But at the defendant’s suggestion, the conversations were quickly transferred to a private WhatsApp platform. The barrister said: “The conversation therefore continued about and there were discussions about sexual acts.”

Restrick also asked the “boy” for sexually explicit pictures.

Miss Whittlestone continued: “The defendant was repeatedly told during the conversations that the male was 14. He asked for a photograph of the young boy. A photograph was sent on one occasion.

 “The image indicated a 14-year-old boy and the defendant’s response was to say: ‘You are very attractive.’” Restrick then asked for photos of the boy in his school uniform. At one stage, the court heard, the pensioner arranged to meet the boy in a named local store, which Restrick attended.

But he kept his distance, watching to see if the boy turned up. “He repeatedly made requests to meet,” said Miss Whittlestone, adding that this was accompanied by conversation about the sexual things they would do.

Andrew Gurney, defending, told Judge Nicholas Barker: “This [defendant] is a man of previous good character and he wants the court to know that he is truly appalled by his actions and he is remorseful.”

Restrick,  of Calder Avenue, Whitehaven, was also concerned about the impact of what he had done on his family. Mr Gurney added: “He’s effectively lost everything due to his actions and he deserves what’s going to happen to him today.”

Judge Nicholas Barker told the pensioner: “You came into contact with what you genuinely believed was a 14-year-old male child.” 

The judge dismissed a claim that Restrick made with probation staff that he was not sexually interested in the child, saying that his sexual discussions and attempt to meet the “child” were not fanciful.

He had acted on his plan to meet the boy and his intention was to “engage in sexual activity”, said the judge.

Judge Barker said the defendant’s claim to not be attracted sexually to children roused suspicion in the probation officer’s mind and in his mind, given that Restrick had described the sexual acts he wanted to perform on the “boy.”

Accepting that the defendant was remorseful, and that had faced difficult challenges in his life, the judge jailed Restrick for 29 months. The pensioner will be on the Sex Offender Register for a decade.

He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period. He is likely to be released on licence at the half way point in his sentence. 

Description

A rapist has been jailed for an attack he carried out a number of years ago.

Mark Thompson, 21, was convicted of rape by a unanimous jury at Teesside Crown Court last month. The trial heard that Thompson made "admissions" of guilt in messages he sent to the victim after the attack.

But Thompson insisted the victim must have hacked his account, and sent the messages.

On Friday, the court heard that the probation service had expressed concerns about Thompson, who suffers from a stutter and has suspected learning difficulties, in prison.

Rod Hunt, defending, told the court: "The probation officer was stark - she feels he will have difficulties.

"He was not fully developed when he carried out the offence and I suspect, he's not fully developed now. He's been sitting outside the court weeping. It's not just his stutter, there's suspected learning difficulties."

Prosecutor Ian West told the court that the rape had had a "catastrophic effect" on the victim. In a statement, the victim said that the stress over what had happened had affected their weight, and now has "the physical strength of a 62-year-old."

The statement said: "My anxiety worsened. I started pulling my hair out. My trust in men has gone. The verdict means that I am now believed and I can finally move on. I do believe he deserves prison."

Recorder Aisha Wadoodi told Thompson: "The message you sent after the rape - they were admissions of guilt. I have to balance your age at the time, your communication difficulties - I am aware that prison will be difficult for you - with the serious psychological harm you caused your victim.

"I am satisfied that there was a catastrophic affect."

The judge jailed Thompson, of Seaton Lane in Hartlepool, for three-years-and-11-months.

He will serve half of the sentence before he is eligible for release; and was made subject to sex offender notification requirements for the rest of his life.