CHRISTOPHER PEEL

A man identified as Christopher Peel, aged 35, from Nairn Close, Darlington, was involved in a serious criminal incident involving a teenage girl.

Peel posed as a modelling agent to deceive a 15-year-old girl who was advertising for part-time work on Gumtree.

The girl had included a photograph with her internet message, which Peel found appealing.

Using a false name, Peel falsely claimed to be affiliated with a model agency.

Following arrangements to meet, Peel took topless photographs of the girl and persuaded her to perform a sex act during the meeting in Easington Lane.

Peel was subsequently arrested after police traced him through a phone number and a video interview where the girl recounted the events.

Peel admitted to charges of meeting a child following sexual grooming, taking indecent photographs, and inciting a sexual activity.

He was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years, and was placed under supervision, mandated to attend sex offender treatment, and issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to protect others.

He was also required to register as a sex offender for the next seven years.

The court was told he had served the equivalent of eight months on remand.

Peel has no prior sexual convictions but presents as a man of weak character, according to the defense.

The victim expressed that the incident would never leave her and has affected her sleep, friendships, and mood, stating, 'I feel bitter and guilty about what happened.

I don't think it is something I will ever forget.

It will stay with me for the rest of my life.'