Latest Offenders

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A man found guilty of the rape of two women has been jailed for 18 years.

Andrew Mellis, 58, of Tarner Road, Brighton, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Monday (March 6) for sentencing having been convicted by a unanimous verdict in July last year of four counts of rape.

The first three offences had been disclosed following an investigation into an assault. During the investigation another woman came forward to report a further offence.

The two women had victim impact statements read out to the court detailing the impact and long-term effects that Mellis's crimes had had upon them over many years.

HHJ Christine Laing said that the crimes he had inflicted on his victims were 'brutal' and that he should feel shame at the way he had abused them. She deemed him 'a dangerous man' and in sentencing him to 14 years and ordered a further four years on licence in the light of the threat that he posed. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Stewart Cameron, from Sussex Police's Brighton safeguarding unit, said: "Both of these women have shown huge amounts of coverage in coming forward and providing accounts of the harrowing abuse they suffered at the hands of Andrew Mellis.

"He has shown no remorse for what he did to them, subjecting them to the ordeal of having to stand in court to go through what happened to them all over again.

"This required enormous strength and bravery and it is thanks to them that justice has finally caught up with this evil man. I appreciate that this is something that will stay with them forever, but I hope that the verdict and the sentence will go some way to helping them rebuild their lives.

"The case also demonstrates that it's never too late to report offences of this nature. We will take reports very seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred, and your report will be handled sensitively and compassionately."

Description

A man caught with more than 15,000 indecent photographs of children claimed he ‘didn’t realise it was illegal’.

Tony Collins, 49, escaped jail after officers searched his Liverpool home in 2021 to find images of children as young as five and ‘children’s knickers’.

Investigators, acting on intelligence, found the trove of images on electronic devices including a Samsung mobile phone, a hard drive and a laptop.

Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday how officers found ‘category A images’ – the most graphic – on the devices, including a photo of a 13-year-old girl.

Around 138 ‘category B’ pictures were also found on top of 15,248 ‘category C’ images of children aged between eight and nine.

Some of the photographs included a child estimated to be around five and seven, prosecutor Sarah Holt added.

The images were all downloaded across the space of four years from 2017 to 2021, some of which ended up in the recycling bin of the devices.

During a voluntary interview, Collins said he has learning difficulties, struggles to read and write, and ‘didn’t realise it was illegal to look at those photos’.

He alleged he ‘didn’t look for images of children he wasn’t sexually attracted to’.

Collins faced a maximum punishment of a decade in jail – but the judge spared Collins jail, given his lack of prior convictions and his ‘personal characteristics’.

‘It’s important to note viewing and downloading of images, you are perpetuating a wicked and repellent market for the exploitation of children, some are very young,’ Recorder Harris said.

‘The corrosive effects and psychological harm caused to children who are forced to pose for these photographs is incalculable.’

Collins previously pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs and possessing indecent images and prohibited photographs of children.

‘Making’ indecent images of children, which can involve producing or distributing them, carries far more severe punishments than ‘possessing’ them.

Such charges are ‘serious enough to warrant punishment by immediate imprisonment’, Recorder said.

Though he was assessed as being a ‘medium risk of harm to children’, Recorder Harris said Collins had a ‘realistic chance of rehabilitation’.

Collins was handed an ‘alternative’ punishment that includes three years of concurrent community orders and a rehabilitation requirement of 30 days.

He must show his probation officer he is taking the steps to prevent further offending by ‘educating’ himself and working with the police sexual offences unit.

Recorder Harris also ordered Collins to be on the sex offenders register for five years and issued a sexual harm prevention order.

Collins must also pay £70 costs within a year and a statutory surcharge.

Description

An 80-YEAR-old man who committed sexual assault and made indecent photographs of a child is now behind bars.

Gordon England, of Main Street, Offenham, near Evesham, appeared in the dock of Courtroom 2 of Worcester Crown Court. 

England was sentenced for three sexual assaults and for taking indecent photographs of a child. 

England was sentenced for three sexual assaults and for taking indecent photographs of a child. 

Judge Nicholas Cartwright jailed England for 32 months.

The judge also told England he would have to sign the sex offenders register. 

England was also given an indefinite restraining order which prevents him from contacting the victim of the sexual assaults. 

The case was heard at the court on Friday, (March 3). 

Description

A sex attacker who targeted a schoolgirl has been jailed.

Terence Robson was convicted of historic indecent assault charges by a jury after a trial. Newcastle Crown Court heard the 69-year-old continues to deny the offences and claims the victim made a "malicious" complaint against him.

In a statement read to the court, the victim, who is now an adult, said she has been left traumatised by what Robson did to her and added: "I was just an innocent child, I didn't understand. He took my childhood. I have spent my life worrying about bumping into him."

Robson, of Victoria Road, South Shields, was jailed for seven years by Judge Stephen Earl He must also sign the sex offenders register for life.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Robson, who had good employment and was in charge of others, was a heavy drinker at the time of the offences. Mr Adams added: "He is a very different man to the man he was then.

"He doesn't drink at all like he used to." The court heard he is in poor health, meaning prison will be more difficult for him.

Description

Two teenage girls were left frightened and disturbed after a serial flasher exposed himself to them at a bus stop just yards from Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Steven Moir made and held eye contact with the 15-year-olds as they waited for a bus on Castle Street in Aberdeen, before exposing his private parts to them.

Description

A man from Milton Keynes has been sentenced to 19 years in jail after being found guilty of the rape and sexual assault of a child, and a separate assault where a man was stabbed in Borehamwood. Frank Mooney, 36, from Bletchley, Milton Keynes, was arrested and charged in May 2022 after reports were made to police of sexual offences against a child.

Mooney appeared for sentencing at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, March 2 after being found guilty at trial of the rape of a child under 13, encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity and two charges of sexual assault. He was sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison for those offences, has been added to the sex offenders’ register and must obey the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The 36-year-old man was also sentenced to an additional three years after pleading guilty to common assault, possession of a knife and wounding with intent during an incident on July 23, 2022 which the assailant committed while on bail.

Mooney attended a residential address in Borehamwood, where he punched and stabbed a man in the shoulder after an altercation with a man and woman. However, the man's injuries were not life threatening.

Detective Constable Jacqueline Oliver, of the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, said: “The bravery of the victim and her family has assisted in sending a dangerous offender to jail for many years. I hope this result can provide them with some sense of closure, having seen her abuser brought to justice.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to stress that we take all reports of abuse seriously. We are here to hold offenders to account and will always support the victim throughout the investigative process.”

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you can report it to police on the non-emergency number 101, or report it online here. Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.

Description

A chef who subjected a woman to a sickening sexual assault was said to "not feel an ounce of remorse" over his vile crime.

Aaron Pressdee, who was also described as "extremely manipulative", carried out the "humiliating" attack and then called his victim a "dog", Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday (March 2).

The 37-year-old, of Frank Street in Widnes, has previous convictions for a total of 17 offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm - committed against a two-year-old child - and an assault in which he caused a "deep laceration" to a 17-year-old girl with a bottle, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Carmel Wilde, defending, told the court: "He clearly lacks internal restraint, influenced by his untreated ADHD and drug use. The defendant has struggled to process a number of bereavements and losses.

"He had an unsettled and traumatic upbringing. It is a very sneaky, mean and disgusting offence. He may not present a risk in a number of years when he is released. The defendant expresses a desire to pursue his previous work of cheffing."

Pressdee was found guilty of sexual assault after a trial, prosecuted by Matthew Dunford. Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse, he was jailed for five years and handed an extended three-year licence period.

The defendant was handed a 10-year restraining order and told to sign the sex offenders' register for life. Sentencing, Judge Anil Murray said: "You thought you could commit this offence and she would either not have the confidence to report you to the police or you could talk you way out of it if she did go to the police.

"It is clear you feel not one ounce of remorse. You present as an extremely manipulative man."

Description

A woman racked with shame and guilt called the police and confessed to sexually abusing two young girls when she was in her 20s. She repeatedly indecently assaulted one of the girls, on one occasion abusing her after becoming aroused from a rape scene in a film.

Sarah Bennett, now 50, of Cardiff, brought her sexual offences to the attention of the authorities in 2021, after she had giving up drinking and turned to religion. Her victim was contacted by the police and agreed to bring charges, while the second girl involved did not wish to.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard the abuse began when the victim was just 12-years-old. The defendant groomed her by giving her cider and giving her money. The victim developed a crush on her and Bennett told her she had feelings for her.

Prosecutor Ruth Smith heard the first incident of sexual abuse began when Bennett kissed the victim's hand and mouth. She would often "cwtsh" the victim, who described herself as "needy for affection". There was regular kissing and the defendant would "thrust" herself onto the victim.

The abuse escalated to Bennett taking off the victim's shorts before sexually abusing her. Ms Smith said the victim "didn't really know what she was doing". Afterwards, Bennett told the victim not to tell anyone about what had taken place or they wouldn't be able to see each other. Even though she didn't enjoy what was happening, the victim said the idea of not seeing the defendant made her "sad".

On another occasion, Bennett touched the victim's breasts before pulling her tights down before touching her privates.. The victim described herself feeling "stupid" and the actions of the defendant as "forceful and painful". This happened on another occasion, causing the victim to bleed and she had her first period not long afterwards.

The victim said the abuse carried on at "every time the opportunity presented itself". Bennett gave the victim pints of cider and was "rough" with her. She was also verbally abusive towards the victim, calling her a "slag". The victim described herself as "isolated" and "just wanted to die". She wanted the abuse to stop but felt conflicted as Bennett made her "feel special". Ms Smith said the victim began to cut herself with a piece of broken mirror and described her stomach "knotting up" when Bennett was verbally abusive.

On another occasion, Bennett and the victim were watching a film when the defendant became sexually aroused by a rape scene. She threw the victim onto the ground and sexually assaulted her. The abuse continued for a number of years, the victim describing herself as "scared and frightened" when the defendant was in drink, and she began drinking regularly herself. When the victim made new friends, Bennett grabbed her by throat and smashed up her belongings.

The victim said she later realised Bennett had been "controlling" and realised "how wrong" the abuse had been. She later told police: "It wasn't a caring loving relationship. It was a very controlling relationship. She had a hold on me for a long time. I didn't see my family for years and didn't have any confidence in myself or self esteem. I suffer with anxiety which affects me and bothers me."

Matters came to ahead in 2021 when Bennett contacted the police and disclosed the abuse of two girls, including the victim. She said she felt "terrible" and needed to confess. She also described herself as a "different person" after giving up alcohol. When police arrived at her home to arrest her, she left a note.

It read: "Dear Sir/Madam, I confess when I was in my 20s I had a relationship with two teenage girls..... I have hated myself with a passion for year. It seems like a different person or lifetime. The shame and guilt remains within. I am truly sorry."

Bennett, of Pen y Bryn Way, Gabalfa, later pleaded guilty to 14 counts of indecent assault of a child. The court heard she was of previous good character. In mitigation, Adam Sharp said the matters would not have come to light had she not confessed to the police, having been "riddled with guilt" and wishing to atone.

He said the defendant was from a "traditional and religious family" but suffered trauma in her childhood and left the family home before going on to work as an auxiliary nurse and a delivery driver. He said was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and had been clean from alcohol for eight years.

Sentencing, Judge Lucy Crowther said: "You have overcome serious illness and overcome addiction and reconciled with your mother. You did what many wouldn't do. You had the courage to ring the police and tell them something that was not previously known. I accept you are overwhelmed with remorse for what you have done."

Bennett was sentenced to a total of three years imprisonment. She was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years.

Description

A drunk man has been jailed after he robbed a 14-year-old boy of £10 and groped a 14-year-old schoolgirl. 

Dean Hughes approached the schoolboy as he was about to enter a shop in Colchester at 1.30pm on May 21 last year and asked him for £5, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

He then took hold of the boy’s wrist and took the £10 note after prising his fingers open.  

When he was arrested later in the afternoon, he had a sandwich and £8 change and appeared to be drunk.

Shortly after the robbery, Hughes walked past a 14-year-old schoolgirl, who was with her younger sister, and grabbed her bottom and squeezed it.

Hughes, 40, of Six Bells Court, Braintree, admitted robbery and sexual assault and in addition to being jailed he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

Nicola May for Hughes said he was horrified when he saw CCTV of him sexually assaulting the schoolgirl.

She said her client had been homeless and had turned to drink at the time of the offences after his relationship had ended.

At court Hughes was jailed for 17 months.

Description

Leon Ward, 49, of New Addington, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 24 February where he was sentenced to ten years, to serve six years and eight months custodial, and the remainder on licence for the attempted rape and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

He will also be on the sex offenders register for life. Ward had previously been convicted at the same court on Friday, 10 February.

The court heard how Ward had befriended the child in May 2020 when he had seen her in New Addington.

Further to some chance meetings, Ward soon began texting the victim and asking her to send compromising pictures of herself which she did not send.

On Monday, 18 May 2020 the victim agreed to meet with Ward for a walk into the woods, during which Ward assaulted her and attempted to rape her.

Ward was arrested on 18 May 2020 and was charged on 10 November 2021 with attempted rape of a 14 year old girl, three counts of sexual assault by penetration; two counts of sexual assault by touching and sexual communication with a child. All offences were committed against the same victim.

Detective Constable Jamie Munro, the investigating officer, said: “Ward took advantage of a vulnerable young girl believing that she would not tell anyone.

“Thankfully he was wrong. I applaud the bravery of the victim in coming forward. Her actions may have saved other potential victims from suffering the same offences.

“Identifying and apprehending those who commit violent offences against women and girls is a priority for us, and I urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to speak to police, at the very least to ensure you are supported.”

Description

Steven Morris had previous convictions for child sexual offences when he started talking to what he thought was a 14-year-old boy online

A convicted paedophile tried to meet a schoolboy for sex because he was "lonely and isolated" during the national Covid-19 lockdowns.

Child sex offender Steven Morris was jailed and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in 2014 for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of children. However, the 45-year-old proved he hadn't learned from his past sordid mistakes when he started messaging what he thought was a 14-year-old online.

In fact, Morris was actually talking to a fake account, set-up by an undercover police officer. Newcastle Crown Court heard that the messages soon turned increasingly sexual and resulted in Morris arranging to meet the boy at a hotel in Gateshead.

When police showed up at the premises and arrested Morris, they found he had lubricant, baby oil and a further sex-related item in a plastic bag in his room. The pervert, of Booth Street, in Chesterton, Newcastle Under Lyme, has now been jailed fro five years with an extended three-year licence period after a judge deemed him to be dangerous.

Sentencing him, Judge Amanda Rippon said: "Your previous convictions were planned, sophisticated and serious. You were sentenced to a term of imprisonment as a result. The most serious offence was committed against a boy the same age as you believed your current victim to be.

"You're an intelligent man. You undertook a sexual offenders' course with the Lucy Faithful Foundation. You engaged with work with the Probation Service and you undertook personality disorder work with a psychologist. Despite all of that and being subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, you went on to commit further very serious sexual offences.

"The probation officer identified you posing a high risk of serious harm to children. It's argued that it was your isolation during Covid that led to your offending. Countless suffered anxiety and isolation during Covid, who didn't commit offences.

"You have this history and you have not learned to control your behaviour. You prioritise your own sexual needs above everything else. I'm extremely satisfied you will commit further, specified offences and cause serious physical or psychological harm."

The court heard that Morris began chatting to the "boy" online on September 26 last year before the conversations move to Snapchat. Nicoleta Alistari, prosecuting, said Morris's messages became increasingly sexual and he requested photos of the teen before sending images of himself lying on a bed in his boxer shorts.

Ms Alistari added: "The defendant suggested meeting up at a hotel in Gateshead and said he would not do anything to [the boy] without him wanting to." The prosecutor said Morris also asked what the boy's favourite snacks were.

The court heard that police attended the Premier Inn, in Gateshead, on October 15 last year, arrested Morris and found him in possession of the lubricant, baby oil and sex-related item. He went on to plead guilty to arranging the commission of a child sexual offence, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and attempted sexual communication with a child.

Brian Mark, defending, said Morris made no excuses for his behaviour and expected an immediate custodial sentence. He added: "He was running a café but there was a very long period during Covid when he became isolated and depressed and, in that state, he reverted to that behaviour."

Judge Rippon responded: "There were loads and loads of people who were isolated during Covid, it was an isolating experience for huge swathes of the country. Those people didn't commit offences like this. People didn't resort to serious sexual offending."

Morris was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for the same period.

Description

A convicted sex offender arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy at a train station in Birmingham after sending him naked photos. But the teenager turned out to be a "decoy" created by a paedophile hunters group.

Joshua Purser, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said a member of a paedophile vigilante group set up a fake profile on a gay dating app of a 14-year-old boy and on September 24 last year the decoy started to receive messages from Simon Burrin. In the first exchange the 'teenager' told the defendant his age and that he was "checking the app out" but the defendant responded by asking him for his phone number and saying his name was Simon.

The conversations then moved on to Whatsapp with Burrin sending naked pictures of himself to the decoy. During the conversations the defendant said he would like to undress the teenager and suggested they could meet and stay at a hotel in Winchester.

A convicted sex offender arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy at a train station in Birmingham after sending him naked photos. But the teenager turned out to be a "decoy" created by a paedophile hunters group.

Joshua Purser, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said a member of a paedophile vigilante group set up a fake profile on a gay dating app of a 14-year-old boy and on September 24 last year the decoy started to receive messages from Simon Burrin. In the first exchange the 'teenager' told the defendant his age and that he was "checking the app out" but the defendant responded by asking him for his phone number and saying his name was Simon.

The conversations then moved on to Whatsapp with Burrin sending naked pictures of himself to the decoy. During the conversations the defendant said he would like to undress the teenager and suggested they could meet and stay at a hotel in Winchester.

Burrin was interviewed and said that it was "wrong to speak to kids again" and that he needed help. The court heard that he had a number of previous convictions and in June 2020 was sentenced to two years and four months after he had allowed a 14-year-old boy, he had met on a gay dating site, to stay with him.

Burrin, 42, of Court Lane, Erdington, who had previously admitted attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to meet a child and breach of a sexual harm prevention order, was jailed for four years and eight months.

Judge Simon Drew KC said: "It seems to me that your principle purpose of making contact with that child was to engage in sexual activity." He described his behaviour as "extremely dangerous" and extended the period he would remain on licence by four years.

Amrisha Parathalingam, defending, said: "He wants to address this sort of behaviour. His biggest problem is the internet."

Description

Thomas Beddow also sexually assaulted one young girl after subjecting her to a string of vile comments

A registered sex offender invited a group of schoolchildren to his house under the ruse to buy vapes, but instead answered the door naked and exposed himself to them.

Thomas Beddow performed a series of sex acts on his doorstep and also sexually assaulted one young girl after subjecting her to a string of vile comments.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 12-year-old girl, and a group of boys, would attend the 66-year-old's home in Rainford, in order to purchase vapes from him, the ECHO reports.

John Wyn Williams, prosecuting, described how Beddow used the restricted products as a 'way of grooming the children' as they visited on a number of occasions.

The first time the girl went to his house, he answered the door naked and offered her £10 to perform a sex act on him. She was left feeling 'embarrassed and disgusted' following the incident.

During a second visit, the complainant waited around the corner while the boys knocked on the door. Beddow again appeared naked and asked where the girl was before approaching her and saying "hello sweetheart, hello beautiful, hello sexy".

The pervert made a further sexual comment - deemed too graphic to repeat, and then performed a sex act in his doorway in front of the children. On a third occasion, the girl was walking past his home when he shouted "your t**s look great in that top" at her before groping her breasts.

After his arrest, Beddow claimed under interview that "he was being hounded by the children for vapes". A statement read out to the court on behalf of the girl's dad described how she often "breaks down and cries", adding: "He has ruined other children's lives. He should never be allowed to do this again.

"When she cries, she asks me why any grown man would do things like this. I feel it it will be a long process in getting her to where she was before this happened."

Beddow was previously jailed for 27 months in 1996 after inciting a nine-year-old girl to perform a sex act on him, then was was locked up again for 40 months in 2011 for abusing a 12-year-old girl. He also has a "string of convictions" for breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

Joanne Maxwell, defending, told the court: "He uses vapes and would be asked by the youths to obtain vapes on their behalf. I think there is an element of impulsivity to his behaviour - he knows he should have dealt with it very different, but he didn't."

Beddow admitted sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse, he was imprisoned for five years and four months and handed an additional three years on licence.

Sentencing, Recorder Imran Shafi KC described his "persistent and pervasive interest in young girls" and added: "You were engaging with a group of 12-year-olds at your age of 66, and it is clear that you were doing it by way of grooming in order to achieve your aims.

"She went to that address multiple times with the males, and each time it was obvious that you had taken a liking to her despite her tender years.

"In reality, there is very little mitigation available to you. It is clear to me that you have groomed this group of youngsters to achieve your aims.

"It was suggested that your actions were impulsive - I have no hesitation in concluding this is not the case. Your actions were designed, planned and carried out to achieve your sexual gratification.

"It is plain you have shown no remorse or empathy or insight into your behaviour. You have not stopped for a moment to consider the effects, probably lifelong, your behaviour will have on the victim and the other children too."

Description

A sex attacker told his victim he was going to take her to the lake and rape her, a court heard.

Adam Cuss, 26, was jailed for five years at Oxford Crown Court last week after he admitted the brutal assault.

Prosecutor Alexandra Bull told Recorder Stuart Trimmer KC that the defendant was walking his victim back to her flat in Witney in the early hours of March 26 last year when he launched the terrifying attack.

“He pushed her to the floor and put his weight on top of her. He started saying he was going to [have sex with] her, they were going to go down to the lake and he would rape her,” the prosecutor said.

Cuss was said to have told the woman he ‘worked with butchers’ knives and he was going to cut her up’, the court heard.

“This isn’t you,” she told the attacker, screaming his name repeatedly.

He was said to have replied: “This is me. I’ve been wanting to do this for months.”

He touched the woman, telling her: “You like this, don’t you?” She made it clear that she did not.

At one point she tried to punch him, ‘which made him angry’.

In the hope of buying herself time to get help, she told Cuss they could ‘do it in her flat’.

He then dragged her a short distance, the court heard.

A neighbour was at the communal door to the flats as they arrived at the block.

“She said to [the neighbour] that he was trying to rape her and asked her help. The neighbour told her to go upstairs,” Ms Bull told the court.

The woman ran upstairs and called for help.

She could hear Cuss tell her neighbour that he was her ‘brother’.

Having reached the safety of her flat, the victim received a Facebook message from the defendant saying ‘you’re done, I’m coming back now’.

She later became aware that the front door had been damaged.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (March 2), Cuss, of Chartwell Close, Daventry, admitted attempted sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault and criminal damage.

Recorder Trimmer imposed five years’ imprisonment and a restraining order banning him from contacting his victim for 10 years.

The case was dealt with without a pre-sentence report from the probation service.

Description

A Facebook predator who planned to have sex with an underage girl on Exmouth beach has been jailed after being trapped by paedophile hunters.

Jose Alves made contact with what he thought were girls aged 11 and 13 on social media and sent them both explicit videos which showed adults having sex with children.

In fact, he had been trapped by a group called Justice4Kids which alerted the police and baited a trap which led him to a proposed meeting at Exmouth railway station, where he was arrested.

Alves suggested having sex with the 13-year-old girl and sent her pictures which he claimed to be of his genitals as well as posting the child abuse movie to her.

He became hooked on online chats at a time when his own marriage was breaking up and he felt isolated, Exeter Crown Court was told.

Alves, aged 46, of Okehampton Road, Exeter, admitted two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, three of making, by downloading, indecent images of children and one of distributing them.

He was jailed for two years by Judge David Evans at Exeter Crown Court, put on the sex offenders’ register and barred from working with children.

The judge told him: “I accept that difficulties in your marriage led you to drink and a great deal of unhappiness and that you were searching for solace in various ways.

“That may be why you progressed from adult pornography to looking at images of child abuse and chose to make contact with not one but two children who believed to be as young as 11 and 13.

“You took the conversations into grossly sexual territory and sent abhorrent imagery of children being sexually abused by adults. The combination of offences is too serious for anything other than immediate imprisonment.”

Miss Caroline Bolt, prosecuting, said police were contacted by Justice4Kids in March 2021 after Alves made contact with two decoys posing as young girls on Facebook.

He sent lewd messages and a child sex video to both and suggested having sex with the 13-year-old. The decoys arranged for him to go to Exmouth in the hope of having sex on the beach and he was confronted at the station.

Alves claimed to be 16 at the start of the conversations but eventually revealed his true age. He was not deterred when the decoys claimed to be innocent girls of 11 and 13.

The National Crime Agency had been alerted by Facebook to the obscene movies he sent on the platform and the police were already trying to trace Alves when he was arrested.

He was found with 459 images or movies on his computers including 112 movies showing adults having sex with children, some of which he had sent to either the decoys or online contacts.

Miss Kelly Scrivener, defending, said Alves committed the offences at a time when he was isolated and drinking too much during the breakdown of his marriage.

She said he is deeply ashamed of what he did and has taken steps to change his lifestyle and avoid further online activity. He has been assessed as suitable for a sex offenders’ programme and a good prospect of rehabilitation.