Bobby Whalley 27

Description

Pervert Bobby Whalley sent an indecent image to a 12-year-old boy. The 25-year-old was busted after he discovered 12-year-old James was an undercover police officer.

A search of his home later uncovered an indecent video of a child. Now Whalley has walked out of Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after landing a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Prosecutor Ben Lawrence said: "Whalley sent a friend request on Snapchat to an undercover officer posing as James. He sent a message which showed the private area of a white nude man being held in a hand. James told him he was 12. Whalley said he was 24."

It was then weeks later when Whalley sent five images to James, including one of a man not wearing a shirt with the text 'Hey' and two kisses. James responded. The defendant said he was in Stoke and he is a 'daddy to you'.

Mr Lawrence added: "He asked how old James was again. He said he was 12. The defendant sent an image of a black and white photo of a private area being held by a hand. He sent a message saying, 'Your turn. Send me a pic'."

Whalley was arrested on May 9 at his address. His phone was seized. It was found to contain an indecent video of a child at category A - the most serious.

Whalley, of Leek Road, Stoke, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and making an indecent photograph of a child.

Paul Cliff, mitigating, said Whalley had a very difficult personal history and was subjected to a dysfunctional childhood. He went to university, began to use cannabis, became isolated, and dropped out of university.

Mr Cliff said: "He began to misuse alcohol and drugs and social media."

The court heard Whalley has now stopped using drugs and reduced his alcohol intake. He is working in a pub, has accommodation, and his partner is 'shocked and disturbed' by his offending.

The suspended sentence includes a 55-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours unpaid work.

Judge Graeme Smith told him: "The contact you had with the undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old was brief. It took place on two occasions. On the first occasion you ended it as soon as it was discovered he was 12. On the second occasion you had some contact with him and you did send an indecent image.

"It was an attempt and no real children were involved. It is unusual to only find one image. Nonetheless it is serious. But cases invariably involve dozens, if not thousands, of images."

Whalley is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offenders' Register for the next 10 years.