Description
A dangerous predator has been jailed after engaging in sexual communications with someone he believed was a child.
Alfred Liddle, 32, is now behind bars after being sentenced by a Judge following a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Northumbria Police’s MOSOVO Safeguarding teams.
Liddle, of no fixed abode, believed he was talking to a 14-year-old girl online and persisted in sending her sexually explicit messages and images of himself.
What Liddle didn’t know was that he was actually speaking to a NEROCU police officer.
During the investigation, it was revealed Liddle already had a Sex Offender Notification and Sexual Harm Prevention Order against him and had breached both.
Officers arrested Liddle in April and he was subsequently charged with Engage in sexual communication with a child, Incite a child in sexual activity, Send photograph or film of genitals to a child, Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Breach of Sex Offender Notification Requirements.
Liddle appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on June 10 and pleaded guilty to all charges.
Today (Monday), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, with an extended licence period of a further two years and nine months.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said:
“This case has resulted in a repeat sexual predator behind bars, and I want to thank all those who worked to ensure this outcome.
“Liddle thought he could keep offending without consequences but he has learned that our officers will not stop in their pursuit of abusers.
“Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.”