MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENCES DESPITE BEING DECOYED
Brian Doddsworth, a 52-year-old man from Darlington, was sentenced on Tuesday for sex offences involving online communications with a decoy posing as a 12-year-old girl.He believed he was having a sexual conversation with the decoy and asked her to send indecent images and footage of her mother.
The decoy, working with Cobra, an online child protection group, read out disturbing messages in court, where Doddsworth also sent graphic pictures of himself.
Prosecutor Omar Ahmad stated that Doddsworth contacted the decoy via social media under the alias ‘Barry18’ and claimed to be 18 years old, although actual age was 52.
The messages included requests for images of the girl and her mother, and explicit exchanges.
When he was persuaded to share his address, three males attended to confront him, followed by police arresting him.
Evidence on his mobile confirmed the conversations.
Doddsworth pleaded guilty to attempting to incite sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child, offenses committed between March 1 and 10 of the previous year.
During sentencing, mitigating lawyer Alisha Marsay highlighted that Doddsworth did not attempt to meet any children and described his actions as a low point during which he was battling illness and substance abuse.
His arrest cost him his job, home, and relationship, and he was disowned by his family, including his mother.
He expressed remorse, stating he is disgusted with himself.
Judge Francis Laird sentenced him to two years in prison, with half served in custody and the remainder on licence.
He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and will need to register as a sex offender for ten years.
