BRIGHOUSE MAN ASHLEY SHARMAN SENTENCED AFTER ONLINE CHILD SEX CHAT SCANDAL IN BRADFORD
In a case that has shocked the community of Brighouse, Ashley Sharman, aged 28, was brought before Bradford Crown Court to face serious allegations related to online child exploitation.The incident came to light after an online paedophile hunter group uncovered his disturbing activities, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.
According to court reports, Sharman, who resides on Robertson Avenue in Brighouse, engaged in a disturbing online conversation over a period of five days in May 2019.
During this time, he communicated with a decoy profile that was pretending to be a 12-year-old girl.
His actions included sending indecent photographs and videos of himself, as well as discussing sexual acts with the supposed minor.
His lawyer explained that at the time, Sharman was battling depression and had been misusing alcohol, factors that may have contributed to his troubling online behavior.
The prosecution, led by Alisha Kaye, revealed that a member of the online group arranged to meet Sharman at a pub in Elland, under the pretense of purchasing stone from him.
This meeting was part of the group's effort to confront and hold accountable individuals involved in such activities.
When confronted about his online chats, Sharman was reported to the authorities, leading to his arrest.
Further investigations uncovered that Sharman had downloaded approximately 200 indecent images of children, a fact that significantly contributed to the severity of his charges.
During the court proceedings, he admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of indecent images.
Judge Burn, presiding over the case, sentenced Sharman to a 15-month prison term, but this was suspended for two years.
The court also mandated that he participate in an accredited sex offender rehabilitation program.
Additionally, Sharman is required to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential harm.
