MARTIN SMITH

EVESHAM MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX CHATS

A 'SIMPLE' man attempted to have sex chats with underage girls on Facebook, sending naked pictures and asking one to send him photos of her breasts.

Martin Smith, aged 53 and of Station Road, Bretforton near Evesham, admitted two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

Prosecutor Tom Kenning stated that Smith was chatting to decoys from two different groups set up to protect children online.

He used sexual language, asked for naked photographs, and sought to engage the girls in sexual acts.

In interview, he claimed not to have known they were underage.

He had no previous convictions.

His defense argued for a suspended sentence, citing his limited intelligence and personal circumstances, including the trauma of losing his girlfriend in a car accident, his difficulties in forming relationships, and his shame.

Judge Jim Tindal noted Smith’s limited understanding and mental health issues, but emphasized the seriousness of his actions.

Smith was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, with requirements to complete a sex offender’s programme and register as a sex offender for 10 years.

A sexual harm prevention order was also made to restrict his internet contact with children.