Dewsbury Man Caught Sending Explicit Messages to Underage Girl

DEWSBURY MAN CAUGHT SENDING EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO UNDERAGE GIRL

A convicted sex offender named Michael Shufflebotham, aged 40, was involved in an online incident where he believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl.

He had set up a profile on Chat IW under the alias 'Kylie,' and after being caught in the act, he was brought before Leeds Crown Court.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Shufflebotham had messaged 'Kylie' on July 29, 2019, saying 'Hi babe xx.' She claimed to be 13 and from Wales, while Shufflebotham replied he was 36 from Swansea.

He was asked if he was okay with her age, to which he responded, 'No sexy.' Despite being aware she was underage, he engaged in highly sexualized conversations, asked for photographs, and sent an explicit image of his genitals, notably wearing greeny-blue Croc shoes.

The next day, he continued to contact her, asking if she wanted to have sex and if she liked older men.

When the girl ceased responding temporarily, he persisted with sexual messages and attempted to call her.

Eventually, he was identified as the creator of the account and arrested at his home on November 6, 2019, where the Crocs and his phone were recovered.

In police interviews, Shufflebotham claimed he had never knowingly contacted a child, although he had 19 previous convictions for 45 offences, none of which were sexual in nature.

His legal representative argued for leniency, highlighting his age, lack of recent similar offending, and efforts to address alcohol and mental health issues, suggesting a chance for rehabilitation.

The court sentenced him to a two-year community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation, and imposed notification requirements along with a five-year sexual harm prevention order.