LUTON MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTING TO HAVE SEX WITH A 13-YEAR-OLD
A man named John Hanson, aged 55, was convicted on charges related to child sex offences after he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl.He booked a hotel room intending to carry out sex with the minor but was intercepted at Luton railway station by self-described paedophile hunters, Katie and Neil Ivall, who focus on catching online predators.
Hanson believed he was interacting with a girl called Jessica Walters, in correspondence during which he sent an explicit photo of his genitals and directed her to adult pornography websites.
He also asked if his daughter could join him at the hotel for sexual activity and clearly expressed a desire for penetrative sex, even calling her 'Dad.' He admitted guilt to attempting to meet a child after grooming online.
The court sentenced him to two years and eight months' imprisonment, and he was added to the sex offenders register.
Judge Michael Kay QC described his plan as well-coordinated, demonstrating a clear intention to have penetrative sex with a minor and emphasizing the predatory aspect of his conduct.
Hanson's legal team argued he was suffering from depression, anxiety, and was grieving the loss of a teenage child, seeking to provide context for his actions.
Hanson is now to serve prison time and will be monitored as a registered sex offender.
