LIAM WOOD

HARTLEPOOL MAN HANDED SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR SENDING SEXUAL MESSAGES TO TEENAGERS

Liam Wood, a 29-year-old from Ellison Street, Hartlepool, was involved in a case where he attempted to engage in sexual communication with two 'teenagers'.

He used a dating app to contact a decoy calling herself 'Sammy Jo', despite being told beforehand that she was a teenager.

The court heard that he sent sexual messages and images, including pictures of his genitals.

He was initially arrested after sending one of the decoys a picture of his genitalia.

Later, he turned up at the Travelodge at Hartlepool Marina, where he was met by online paedophile hunters.

The court was told he was on bail at the time of the second offence.

Liam Wood pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, with offences dating from October 31 of the previous year through June 2 of the current year.

He was sentenced to ten months in custody, suspended for 18 months, ordered to attend 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years.

He was also subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

The judge remarked that it was only his time in custody that prevented an immediate prison sentence, highlighting that Wood had previously shown remorse and was willing to address his issues.