MATTHEW JOHNSON

EAST LANCASHIRE MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

An East Lancashire father, who engaged in graphic sexual discussion with a girl he believed was 14, has been jailed.

Matthew Johnson, 30, appeared before Preston Crown Court charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

The court was told that Johnson had been caught by a decoy account operated by the Protecting Pompeys Innocents, a vigilante group that identifies online predators.

Evidence showed that Johnson had conversed with the decoy account, which had been edited to look younger, and he had deployed explicit language, asking about her physical appearance and masturbating during the conversation.

Judge Graham Knowles sentenced Johnson to three years in prison and imposed a sexual harm prevention order.

Johnson's IP address linked him to his address, leading to his arrest in April 2024.

A search of his property and phone revealed indecent images of 12 to 14-year-olds.

The court noted Johnson's suffering from depression and anxiety, and a tough upbringing, which provided some context for his actions.

Despite this, the judge emphasized that Johnson knew what he was doing and that his actions were illegal and beyond civilized behavior.