JUDGE WARNS OF ONLINE ‘SEXTING’ DANGERS AS KIERAN DORAN WALKS FREE IN WASHINGTON
In September 2017, a judge issued a warning about the dangers associated with teenagers engaging in ‘sexting’ on social media platforms.Judge Stephen Earl addressed the issue after 18-year-old Kieran Doran attempted to persuade a 14-year-old girl to meet him for sexual activity.
Doran had encouraged the girl to skip school to spend time with him and advised her to lie to her family and friends during their conversations on Facebook.
Although he sought to arrange a meeting, the girl did not agree, and no physical contact occurred.
Doran pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced to a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with additional requirements including rehabilitation and participation in a programme.
He is also to register as a sex offender for ten years.
During the hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Earl stated, “It is a decidedly difficult problem, dealing with relatively young people for what is euphemistically called sexting.
There is a complete misunderstanding about what social media can or should contain.
We are increasingly seeing cases before the courts of young, inexperienced people, who feel it is appropriate to express views, that one might have done by nudging your friends, about what they think.” He emphasized the reckless nature of such behavior, noting that adolescents often feel free to say almost anything online without considering the consequences.
The judge added, “This sort of behaviour is very dangerous, particularly when it crosses age barriers, as this case does.” Referring to Doran’s attitude, Judge Earl remarked that he regarded his actions as “just a bit of fun” on the internet, warning others to be cautious and avoid making similar mistakes.
Prosecutor Paul Currer highlighted Doran’s persistence, stating, “He was persistent, clearly making a determined effort to arrange a meeting.” Doran, of Marlborough Road, Washington, expressed remorse, with his defense representative Andrew Walker noting that he is a father of two and will be subject to monitoring and restrictions as a result of his conduct.
