MONMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD ABUSE AND SEXUAL COMMUNICATION
A man identified as Alan Lewis, from Monmouth, engaged in disturbing online communications with a person he believed was a 12-year-old girl.In reality, he was chatting with a police decoy operating an online account.
The court heard that Lewis, aged 60, with a criminal record that includes kidnap and indecent assault, was caught during a police sting.
His online alias was 'Biker,' and he asked for pictures of the girl in swimwear and school uniform.
The decoy responded that she was 12, but Lewis persisted, making sexual references such as kissing.
As the chats progressed, they became increasingly sexualized, with discussions about swimming nude, touching herself, and squeezing her bottom.
Lewis expressed interest in performing oral sex and intercourse.
After identifying him via his email, police raided his property in January 2024 and seized electronic devices.
Lewis did not comment during police interviews.
He pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
His prior convictions include kidnapping and indecent assault, along with 30 other offences related to failure to comply with notification requirements since 2010.
He claimed forgetfulness for not registering with the police, alleging he had many personal issues and that he had not received a reminder letter.
His legal representative argued that his offenses could be managed within the community and that he had shown insight.
The judge sentenced Lewis to six years and three months in prison, with a minimum of four years and two months to be served.
Additionally, he imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet use and ordered the destruction of devices used in the crimes.
The court noted that Lewis’s last prior contact offense was in 2001, and he had health problems including diabetes, which the judge considered.
Despite mitigation arguments, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and sentenced him accordingly.
