DANIEL CHEESEMEN SENTENCED IN CUMBRIA OVER ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENSES
A man identified as Daniel Mark Cheeseman, aged 26, who was caught attempting to make sexual online advances to what he believed was a 14-year-old boy, has avoided prison time.Cheeseman was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Thursday for two crimes he committed over a five-week period in the previous year.
He had previously admitted to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and to attempting sexual communication with a child by sending an explicit image.
The court heard that Cheeseman was confronted at his workplace in Kendal by members of a vigilante group.
They live-streamed the confrontation on Facebook and contacted the police.
It was revealed that Cheeseman had been in regular contact with what he thought was a 14-year-old boy, but the profile was actually a decoy set up by the vigilante group.
After reviewing a background report and references, Judge Peter Davies told Cheeseman that he would not be given the professional help he requires in prison.
He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, but the sentence was suspended for two years.
Cheeseman, who was formerly based in Kendal and now lives near Harrogate, is required to complete an accredited sex offender treatment program, perform 100 hours of unpaid work, and undergo rehabilitation.
He must also register as a sex offender and adhere to a strict prevention order for ten years.
Addressing Cheeseman directly, Judge Davies said, "This has got to stop.
This is your opportunity to stop."
