GREGORY HUXLEY

WREXHAM ARMY VETERAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL CHAT WITH 'GIRLS'

AN ARMY Veteran targeted what he believed to be young girls online for sexual chat, a court heard.

Gregory Huxley, of Cwrt Noddfa in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Thursday morning.

The 55-year-old had previously admitted two offences of attempted sexual communication with a child and one of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, told the court that the charges arose out of online chats with two individuals he believed to be 12-year-old girls — but who were in fact undercover police officers — operating under the username "Old Sausage." The first conversation took place between June 11 and 12 last year, and the second between September 10 and 26.

The contents of the chats included repeated sexual comments and requests, and Huxley sent a video of himself performing a sex act.

He had no previous convictions.

Huxley was arrested on October 29 last year and answered no comment to all questions.

Defending, Charlotte Cooper explained his military service and subsequent development of unhealthy coping mechanisms, including gambling, alcohol, and sexual preoccupation.

She requested the court consider a suspended sentence to work with probation.

Judge Rhys Rowlands sentenced him to 18 months suspended for two years, requiring participation in programs and activity days.

He must register as a sex offender indefinitely and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

He also has to pay a £187 victim surcharge.