MAN SENT NAKED PICTURES OF HIMSELF TO '12-YEAR-OLD GIRL' OVER SNAPCHAT
A barman who sent explicit images of himself to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl was actually caught in an undercover police sting.Louis Howard, aged 22, falsely claimed to be 15 when he tried to get indecent images from a Snapchat account operated by an officer from the regional crime squad.
The Liverpool Crown Court heard that Howard, from Trouville Road in Anfield, connected with the decoy profile in October 2021 and engaged in sexually charged conversations over four weeks.
He requested explicit photos and sent images of himself in his underwear, then removed his trousers to send pictures of his genitals, saying, "You have made me very hot." Police later raided Howard’s home and seized his phone, discovering 37 indecent images of children, including eight in the most serious Category A, one Category B, 25 Category C, as well as seven banned cartoon videos depicting sexual acts with minors.
Howard had posted one Category A video and seven Category C images on the messaging platform Kik.
Previously, Howard worked part-time at a bar and was studying for a degree, with no prior convictions.
Prosecutor Peter Hussey remarked that the defendant’s actions were highly disgraceful.
Defence lawyer Paul Wood explained that Howard’s mental health deteriorated following a breakup three years earlier, leading to feelings of isolation.
He expressed remorse and acknowledged the seriousness of his offences, stating that Howard was trying to seek help.
The court heard that Howard admitted to multiple charges, including attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, cause a child to view sexual content, communicate with a minor for sexual purposes, distribute and possess indecent images, and make prohibited material.
He received a prison sentence of 26 months from Judge Stuart Driver KC, along with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements.
Howard was also ordered to pay a surcharge, and his phone was forfeited.
