Record details
A sex offender who arranged to meet an underage child has been jailed.
Michael Taylor used social media apps such as Kik and Whatsapp to communicate with the child and even looked to book transport for the girl to travel from the West Midlands to his flat in Seaham.
Taylor was unaware that the child he was sexually communicating with was an Undercover Online Operative (UCOL) called ‘Dani’.
Officers swiftly arrested the 62-year-old and later charged him with attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child, breach of his sexual harm prevention order, breach of sexual offenders register requirements and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
A number of devices were also seized from Taylor’s address, including his mobile phone, which formed a huge part of the investigation.
Taylor, of Albert Street appeared at Durham Crown Court today (October 27) where he was sentenced to 45 months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Richard Blamires, from the Public Protection unit said: “Taylor’s offending was extremely concerning and although there was no victims in this case, it clearly shows his willingness to act on his heinous sexual desires.
“I hope today’s outcome provides the public with some comfort knowing Taylor is behind bars and demonstrates our commitment to dealing with sex offenders in our county.”
