Description
A man has been jailed for 16 years after encouraging a child to send him indecent images of herself and her cousin.
It was reported Lloyd Sweeting, 34 years, from Speke contacted a 10-year-old child online and encouraged her to take indecent photographs of herself and her cousin, also a child.
The owner of the account was identified as Sweeting and he was arrested on 18 April 2024 and devices seized for examination.
Following extensive enquires and the examination of his devices and interactions with the victim, he was charged and ultimately convicted of the following offences:
- Four counts of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- One count of possession of extreme pornographic images
- Two counts of possession of indecent photographs
Sweeting appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:
“The victim in this case, who lives in the UK, sent images to Sweeting out of fear of the repercussions if she didn’t.
“She has been left traumatised by Sweeting’s appalling actions and the psychological impact of what he subjected her to will be long-lasting.
“Sweeting poses a clear danger to children, amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time in prison.
“I hope he spends that time considering the full impact of his actions and the ordeal he has put his victims through.”
Det Supt Russell added:
"While we would always encourage parents and guardians to be aware of their children's online activity, young people should be able to use technology without being targeted and exploited by adults seeking to abuse them for their own sexual gratification.
“We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit children online and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable young people.”