PAUL BARRON

A man has been sentenced following a joint investigation conducted by Cleveland Police and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Paul Barron, aged 56 and from Hartlepool, faced charges of attempted sexual communication with a minor and of arranging sexual activities with a child, related to incidents occurring between January and February of this year.

The defendant appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, 19th December, where he admitted guilt to both charges.

The court sentenced him to a total of 30 months in prison and imposed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Detective Constable Barnes, from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), commented on the investigation: “In partnership with NEROCU, we are committed to taking action against individuals seeking to harm children.

Anyone involved in online offences targeting minors should know they are likely to be caught, and justice will be served in due course.

We urge children and young people to speak out or report any suspicious online activity to the police.” Regarding the investigation, NEROCU’s Inspector Allen Hull stated: “I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved, demonstrating the strength of collaboration between our team and Cleveland Police.

Our coordinated approach aims to pursue and deter anyone exploiting or abusing minors, an effort that will continue under our current operations.

We encourage anyone with relevant information or who has been victimized to come forward and contact law enforcement.”