Description
One of Stoke-on-Trent's worst repeat sexual predators has been locked up after sending sick pictures to '13-year-old Ruby'.
Autistic Michael Horn has spent the last nine years of his life appearing in courts for breaking orders aimed at keeping children safe from his perverted ways.
And the 29-year-old's latest crime saw him having sexual chats with 'children' online.
Now Horn - who has over 20 previous convictions for various sexual offences - has been handed a nine-year extended sentence which is made up of four years in custody with five years on licence.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Horn was released from prison on licence in October last year, and was granted permission to have an internet-enabled mobile phone on June 8 this year.
Just days later he breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by chatting to underage girls as far away as America on apps.
He would frequently lie about his age, often saying he was only 14 or 18.
But he was caught out after striking up a conversation with a '13-year-old Ruby' who turned out to be an undercover law enforcement officer.
Another incident saw Horn contact a '16-year-old American girl' on teen dating app MyLOL.
He asked her if she would 'like to see his penis' and requested naked pictures, as well as asking if she would like to meet up for sex.
Prosecutor Tariq Bin Shakoor said: The SHPO was put in place in September 2012 for 10 years and made following his convictions for a variety of sexual offences.
The defendant was released in October 2020. He was given permission to use a mobile phone.
On June 21 this year officers visited him to check he was complying with the SHPO.
He was asked if he needed to tell them anything. He was nervous.
The defendant, in a private room, then told the police he had breached the order."
Horn, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and two charges of breaching his SHPO.
Hamish Noble, mitigating, said: He understands that its wrong. He is autistic and says it has held him back in life.
He understands that he needs to be punished and be rehabilitated for the future. He doesnt deny that he presents a risk.
The bottom line is he knows he needs help and he does not seek to lay the blame at anyones door.
He sees other peoples lives and can see how he would like to be.
Sentencing Horn, Judge David Fletcher told him: There is a continuation of a pattern of behaviour which is being exhibited by you.
Since the first conviction when you were 20 you have been made the subject of a SHPO.
Over the years that have followed you have found yourself in breach of it on several occasions. You are no stranger to the court system.
You find yourself now a young man who is completely divorced and separated from family members and has no friends.
I am satisfied that you do present a risk. It is necessary to propose an extended sentence to protect the public.
Horn was also made the subject of a new SHPO which will remain in place until the court says otherwise.