COLIN MCFARLANE FROM HAWARDEN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION

A 37-year-old man named Colin McFarlane from Hawarden has been handed a two-year prison sentence after attempting to meet a girl for sexual activity, following a series of online conversations. The incident unfolded when McFarlane believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl, but in reality, he was engaging with an undercover police officer.

According to court proceedings, McFarlane had discussed plans to meet the girl at a local shopping centre, with the explicit intention of engaging in sexual acts. The court heard that he had expressed a desire to carry out these acts in person, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit the situation for sexual gratification.

McFarlane was convicted by a jury of his peers, and the judge sentenced him to 16 months in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered him to register as a sex offender, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. Furthermore, restrictions on his internet use were imposed to prevent further online predatory behavior.

The judge emphasized the serious nature of grooming and the potential harm it causes to vulnerable minors. The court highlighted the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions to protect the community and prevent future crimes of this nature.