A man has today (Feb 28) been jailed for three years for attempted sexual communication with a child after messaging a decoy online.
Dominic Carr, 30, of Highgate, Kendal was sentenced for attempting to cause/incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempt to sexually communicate with a child and attempt to make an indecent image of a child.
Carr also received a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Investigating officer Detective Constable Ewan Breeze from Westmorland CID said “Carr was aware the ‘child’ he was speaking to was 14 years old when he engaged in conversations of a sexual nature.
“Although the child was a decoy Carr is an obvious risk to young people.
“Our Priority is to protect young people from harm and ensuring children are safe online from predators.
"Let this be a warning to anyone who has, or is considering communicating with children sexually, that we have a dedicated unit and have a range of tactics at our disposal to identify those who pose a risk of sexual harm to children and bring them to justice.
“I would urge people to familiarise themselves what their children are doing online – ask them questions and support them in using the internet safely.
"If you are concerned that a child is being, or is vulnerable to sexual abuse or exploitation, please report this to the constabulary immediately though any of our various reporting channels.”
If you wish to report a crime, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.