PERVERT JAILED AFTER BELIEVING HE WAS GOING TO MEET 15-YEAR-OLD PROSTITUTE FOR SEX
A man identified as Joseph Smith has been sentenced to prison after an attempt to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity in Durham.The incident unfolded as Smith responded to an online advertisement claiming there was an 18-year-old woman offering sexual services in his local area.
After making contact via the provided phone number, Smith was informed that the individual in question was only 15 years old.
Despite this, he proceeded to arrange a meeting with the purported minor in an area of Durham.
Unbeknownst to Smith, the advertisement was a trap set by undercover police officers aiming to catch individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual activities with minors.
Smith, who resides on Bracken Field Road in Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham to face charges related to attempting to facilitate a child sexual offence.
He had previously pleaded guilty to these charges during an earlier hearing.
Prosecutor Alec Burns explained that the police operation involved creating a fake online ad on a selling website, which appeared to be posted by an 18-year-old woman offering sexual services.
The ad included a contact number, which Smith called twice on April 25.
He also sent a text message asking about the start time of the supposed sex worker’s shift.
Contact was then made over the phone, during which Smith identified himself as "Craig." During the conversation, Smith was explicitly told that the girl he was seeking was only 15 years old.
Despite this, he inquired whether any of the other girls were over 16, to which he was told no.
Undeterred by the information, Smith arranged to meet the decoy in Framwellgate Moor shortly before 11 pm.
Upon his arrival at the designated location, police officers were waiting and promptly arrested him.
During the arrest, officers discovered that Smith was carrying 980 pounds, which he claimed was intended for a Manchester United season ticket.
He also made statements indicating a lack of concern for the welfare of children, claiming he "wouldn't have done it" and that he "didn't care about kids." When questioned during police interviews, Smith chose not to respond.
The court proceedings revealed that Smith had a lengthy criminal history, with 16 previous convictions.
These included offences related to voyeurism dating back to 2005, such as peering under cubicles at swimming baths and looking into windows to watch women undress.
Defence lawyer Ian West requested that full credit be given for Smith’s guilty pleas, which he entered at the earliest opportunity.
West highlighted that Smith suffers from learning difficulties and ADHD, emphasising that he is a man with personal challenges and limitations who requires moral guidance.
In delivering the sentence, Recorder Jamie Hill QC described the case as "unusual and exceptional." Smith was sentenced to two years in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender register for two years.
