CRAIG SUTHERIAN FROM SOLIHULL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN BIRMINGHAM

A 32-year-old man named Craig Sutherian, who hails from Solihull, has been found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor. The incident involved Sutherian trying to manipulate a 14-year-old girl through an online chat on the Kik messaging platform. According to court records, he initially contacted her by sending a message that referred to her as having a 'nice pic,' and immediately followed up by asking her age. The girl confirmed she was 14 years old. Over the course of the next two months, Sutherian’s messages escalated in sexual nature, including requests for photographs and a graphic video, as well as urging the girl to perform a sexual act. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory behavior aimed at a minor.

Authorities arrested Sutherian at his residence in Solihull on July 30. During his court appearance, he described his time in prison as 'the worst six months of my life,' acknowledging the harsh treatment he received from other inmates, including a period spent at HMP Birmingham. The court proceedings took place at Birmingham Crown Court, where the case was prosecuted by Adrian Fleming.

In sentencing, the judge, Avik Mukherjee, ordered Sutherian to complete a three-year community order. This order includes 40 days of rehabilitation activities, 80 hours of unpaid community work, and mandatory participation in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, Sutherian was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his contact with minors and requires him to keep the police informed of his whereabouts during this period. The judge emphasized that managing the risk Sutherian poses is best achieved outside of prison, highlighting that Sutherian himself expressed regret about his time behind bars, stating, 'It's been the worst six months of my life, your honour.'

Throughout the proceedings, the seriousness of his actions and the potential danger to children were underscored, with authorities taking measures to monitor and prevent any future offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.