Marc Stokes-Denson 48

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Sick Marc Stokes-Denson claimed he was acting as a paedophile hunter himself

A paedophile said he wanted to repeatedly rape a girl, aged 12, as her mum watched.

Marc Stokes-Denson tried to claim he was in fact acting as a paedophile hunter and continued the chat because he was "concerned", but a jury didn't believe his lies.

The 45-year-old was actually talking to an undercover police officer who posed as 'Becky'.

David Polglase, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court, said Stokes-Denson had used the name 'KinkDomM_UK on Chat Avenue and live:d***stokes on Skype.

Judge Anil Murray said over two months Stokes-Denson "developed a relationship" with 'Becky'.

He told her he was sexually interested in her 12-year-old daughter, Lizzie and in vile chats spoke about the two of them sexually abusing the 'child' together.

Mr Polglase said: "On one specific day, Becky allowed Lizzie onto the computer to chat with the defendant, and he engaged in sexual communication with Lizzie'."

Stokes-Denson was arrested on Sunday, September 2019, and in a police interview claimed he had reported 'Becky' to an online admin, despite having no evidence he had done so.

He claimed he "continued to chat with Becky as he was concerned and wanted to find out more".

He denied being sexually attracted to children and said he carried on so he would have "evidence" to show police.

Stokes-Denson, of The Close, Walton, was convicted by a jury of arranging to commit an offence of penetrative sexual activity with a child between May 28 and August 6, 2019.

He was also convicted of attempting sexual communication with a child between the same dates.

Stephen Tettey, defending, said: "The defendant makes clear he is sorry for the position he places himself and his family in.

"He is ashamed of his conduct and realises the hardship which members of the jury must have endured in listening to a case of this nature."

Mr Tettey said there was a "prospect of rehabilitation" and Stokes-Denson had undergone treatment "by way of counselling" and had a "willingness to cooperate".

Mr Tettey said: "A rehabilitated defendant is better than one who is only punished."

He said Stokes-Denson is "not the person he was in 2019" and his family "continue to support him".

Mr Tettey stressed there was no actual child involved and that he sent a message to say he was "no longer prepared to meet".

Judge Murray, sentencing, noted Stokes-Denson had a "good work record" and had suffered "some physical illness in 2017" as well as financial problems which "caused stress".

In February 2019 Stokes-Denson had also separated from his wife.

A doctor said Stokes-Denson showed signs of an adjustment disorder which meant he was "unlikely to consider the full consequences" of his actions.

The judge rejected the suggestion and said: "The way you acted was quite deliberate."

Judge Murray added Stokes-Denson was a "danger of causing serious harm to children".

The judge said he was not sure if Stokes-Denson's claim he was "ashamed and sorry" was an admission of guilt, but said he did not accept remorse.

Judge Murray said: "You have shown not a shred of remorse."

Stokes-Denson was jailed for five years and six months and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He was also ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Bev Hyland said: "Were pleased to see Stokes-Denson dealt with at court today after his plans to abuse a child.

"Unbeknownst to him, Stokes-Denson was speaking to an undercover officer, and he was swiftly arrested.

We are absolutely committed to protecting children, from those who seek to cause them harm. Our Merseyside Police Online Child Abuse Investigation Team works tirelessly and will use all available powers to identify offenders who pose a risk towards children and bring them to justice.

Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

"We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to continue to bring offenders to justice.