Description
Daniel Neary, a 41-year-old man, was arrested after sending sexual images to what he believed was a 12-year-old boy named Rory on a dating website.
Unbeknownst to him, the profile actually belonged to an undercover police officer.
When police searched Neary's home, they found explicit photos of children as young as eight, as well as search terms for indecent images.
Neary pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and possessing indecent photographs of children.
His defense argued for rehabilitation, stating that he had no prior offenses.
However, the judge condemned his actions, stating that Neary had a sexual interest in children and had encouraged a child to engage in sexual activities for his own gratification.
Despite this, the judge decided to suspend Neary's ten-month sentence for two years, with the requirement of rehabilitation and unpaid work.
Neary will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements for the next decade.