KENNETH BEDFORD

ANDOVER MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SENDING INDECENT IMAGES TO DECOY

AN ANDOVER man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught by a group of paedophile hunters when he sent sexual images to someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

The 60-year-old, Kenneth Bedford, of Tweed Road, engaged in sexual discussions with someone who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.

The court heard he first made contact on Facebook messenger after sending a friend request to the decoy profile.

He went on to send eight indecent photos and more than 75 requests asking for photos.

The court was told Bedford contacted the girl while he was masturbating and got her to watch.

The decoy group, Innocent Voices, went to his home on February 17, 2024, police were called, and his phone was recovered during his arrest.

The prosecutor, Charlie Gabbs, stated that Bedford felt annoyed because he did not receive any indecent photos back.

He appeared in Winchester Crown Court on January 12, 2024, and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years.

The court also ordered him to complete 30 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge R Taylor said: "You engaged in sexual communications and asked her for indecent images and sent indecent images.

You also asked if she wanted to have sex with you, despite her saying she was only 13." Mitigation was provided by Chloe Jay, who stated Bedford has shown "genuine remorse" and that the events were "out of character." She also added that Bedford now has very little social interaction due to the disclosure of his actions on Facebook.