SHROPSHIRE MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ONLINE DECOY STING
A South Shropshire man named Mark Lewis from Clun was caught in a decoy online sting where he attempted to incite a child into sexual activity.He was arrested in 2021 after traveling to meet an adult woman, believing she was a 13-year-old girl, following online conversations.
Lewis faced charges of two counts of attempting sexual activity with a child and attempted sexual communication with a child.
He pleaded guilty in May 2023.
His sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court resulted in a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.
Judges noted Lewis's significant learning difficulties and the impact on his family, emphasizing that prison was not appropriate for him due to his mental health and circumstances.
The court highlighted that Lewis knowingly engaged in sexual discussions with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl, despite not meeting her face-to-face, and discussions included attempts to arrange a meeting out of sight.
The sentence was adjusted from an initial 18 months to nine months after taking into account his guilty plea, good character, and other factors.
Lewis was also ordered to undergo the Maps for Change program during 30 rehabilitation activity days and was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
