SEX OFFENDER PENSIONER WHO ASKED TO SEE IMAGES OF BABIES BEING ABUSED JAILED
George Laidler, who has previously served time for child sexual offenses, inquired about the costs associated with abusing very young children on camera in Africa.In one conversation, believed to be with a 15-year-old student in Ghana, Laidler asked to see sexual acts involving a six-year-old child.
The 78-year-old resident of Warwick Terrace, Silksworth, Sunderland, also discussed a sexual act involving a 'baby boy.' When told that the boy was nine years old, Laidler remarked that this was 'too old.' The vile exchanges were revealed at Newcastle Crown Court after a worker at a bail hostel discovered a hidden phone.
Laidler, a registered sex offender, was supposed to disclose this device to authorities but failed to do so.
The phone contained a child abuse video and an extreme pornography image.
Laidler pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, three counts of arranging to commit a child sex offence, possession of an indecent photograph of a child, possession of an extreme pornographic image, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
It was also brought to light that in 2018, Laidler had been imprisoned for three indecent assaults on children and related offenses.
Today, Recorder Toby Hedworth KC sentenced him to six years and eight months in prison.
The judge remarked that the conversations indicated Laidler was seeking to engage in sexual acts with children remotely, believing the other party to be in Africa, particularly Ghana.
The judge described Laidler’s conduct as extremely depraved and emphasized that such behavior posed a significant threat to the community, especially if he gained access to children.
Given his age of 78, the court considered the potential for reintegration into society.
Defending solicitor Shaun Routledge suggested that the individuals involved in the chats appeared more interested in financial gain from Laidler than any genuine intent, implying that they may have been motivated by money.
