GATESHEAD MAN SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES
A man from Gateshead identified as Andrew Turpin has been involved in a sexual misconduct case involving online messaging with a decoy profile.He believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy on a website called FabGuys, but it was an undercover police officer operating a decoy account.
The officer, using the profile 'J', received a 'wink' from Turpin's profile on February 14 this year, leading to a non-sexual chat.
Subsequently, Turpin shared his Snapchat details and continued chatting, later sending an image and video of his genitals.
When told by 'J' that he was 'a bit younger' than his profile indicated, claiming he was 14, Turpin was given the choice to continue.
Turpin then sent a total of 37 images and videos most after being informed of his real age and discussed sexual activity.
He also asked to meet and said he wanted to share more images.
Turpin pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to attempted sexual communication with a child and sending indecent images with the intent to alarm or distress.
He was sentenced to 14 months suspended for two years, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, pay costs of £150, and must register as a sex offender and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
His lawyer explained he was going through a difficult time due to health issues, including sleep apnea and mood swings.
