Andrew Ryan 42

Description

A convicted sex offender was arrested after arranging to meet a girl in Norwich for sex, a court has heard.

Andrew Ryan had been communicating online with what he thought was an 11-year-old girl, but it was actually an undercover police officer.

Norwich Crown Court heard the 42-year-old—who pretended to be 18—first contacted her in summer 2023.

Prosecutor Chris Youell said Ryan, formerly surnamed Morton, engaged in sexual chats, including sending images of his genitals.

He described the "most serious offence" as attempting to meet her for sex.

Mr. Youell said Ryan—who has prior child sex convictions—arranged the meeting at Norwich Railway Station on September 22, 2023, with a suggestion of going to a hotel.

After his arrest, police found indecent images—categories A (most serious), B, and C—on his phone.

Ryan, in breach of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), appeared for sentencing Monday after admitting attempted sexual communication with a child under 16 and attempting to cause a child to view a sexual image.

Ryan, of Thistledown Road, Horsford, also admitted attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual activity, plus three counts of making indecent images of children.

Judge Andrew Shaw imposed an extended seven-year sentence—four years' imprisonment and three on licence—calling Ryan a "dangerous" offender.

Mitigating, Rob Pollington said Ryan was "an individual that has without a shadow of a doubt a preoccupation with young persons."

He added the defendant had been "very open" and "candid" about his issues, followed a "self-destructive course of behaviour," and was "remorseful."

Ryan was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and given a lifetime SHPO.