MAN HAD 'SEXUALISED CONVERSATIONS' WITH TEENS ONLINE AFTER DRINKING
A man is "acutely embarrassed" over sexualised conversations with teens online which landed him in court.The offences involving 63-year-old Colin Gray came to light after an undercover police officer posed online as a boy of 13.
Nottingham Crown Court heard there was a conversation with the "teenager" in a chat room of a "sexualised nature".
He asked him for a "hot pic" but the officer replied "not yet".
Their conversation led police to go to Gray's home and seize computers and laptops for examination.
Some conversations were recovered, including those with a 13-year-old boy, who Gray messaged and asked if he had a boyfriend.
The youngster had neither boyfriend or girlfriend.
There was "further sexualised conversation as well", said Hal Ewing, prosecuting.
The case was heard at Nottingham Crown Court.
Police also found there had been chats with a 17-year-old boy and a request for a naked image, although it was not clear if one was sent.
Gray, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child on two occasions and attempting to incite sexual exploitation of a child.
The offences spanned August 2017 to November 2017.
Brian Outhwaite, mitigating, said there was no confirmation he had sent any pictures.
"He is acutely embarrassed, ashamed and very remorseful about his involvement in these offences.
They came about by unusual circumstances.
There is no suggestion he is a predatory paedophile.
He had no interest at all in meeting these children.
His family are here in support of him; his close family.
It comes as a complete shock to them".
"He admits, candidly, when he spoke to the boys and was in charge of them, telling them what to do, that aroused him to some extent." "He is a caring man, a father of four children and happily married for 32 years".
Recorder Stuart Sprawson ordered he sign the sex offenders' register and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.
He also gave Gray, who is retired and of Welham Grove, a three-year community order, a requirement to attend a sexual offending programme and complete rehabilitation activity days.
His computer was forfeited and will be destroyed.
