A man from Barrow has been jailed today (8 May) for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Michael Creighton, 51, of Vernon Street, Barrow in Furness was sentenced to three years for the following offences:
- Five counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Courts heard that on the 21 May 2024, the police were informed that Creighton had been in contact with five decoy accounts, that he believed to be children.
Whilst on bail for further enquiries, Creighton was granted a Sexual Risk Order, which he breached numerous times.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Charlie Colwell said:
“While the children involved were part of a decoy operation, Creighton clearly poses a significant risk to young people.
“Our priority remains protecting children and ensuring they are safe from online predators.
“This case should serve as a warning to anyone who engages in, or is considering engaging in, sexual communication with children. We have specialist teams and a wide range of tactics to identify individuals who present a risk and bring them to justice.
“I would strongly encourage parents and carers to take an active interest in what their children are doing online - talk to them, ask questions, and support them to use the internet safely.
“If you have any concerns that a child may be at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation, please report it to the police immediately using any of our available reporting channels.”