58-YEAR-OLD MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER TRYING TO MEET BOY AT FESTIVAL PARK
A 58-year-old man named Paul Pointon sent a disturbing video of a sexual act to what he believed was a 14-year-old boy, but was actually an undercover police officer.
He then attempted to meet the boy at Festival Park.
Pointon admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and trying to cause a child to watch a sexual image.
He initially claimed he liked kissing men and women and that the boy could act on him for practice, making arrangements to meet at Festival Park.
However, when questioned by police, he denied meeting up, saying 'maybe next time.' A few days later, Pointon messaged the decoy apologizing for not being in touch and sent a video of a male masturbating.
Police subsequently searched his address and found evidence of using apps like Kik to communicate with children.
The court proceedings saw Judge Graeme Smith hand him a 12-month suspended prison sentence, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year Sex Offenders' Register order, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The judge remarked that while the offence was serious, it was not the most severe, and that Pointon showed remorse and insight, with a low risk of reoffending.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
Graeme Smith hand him a 12-month suspended prison sentence, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year Sex Offenders' Register order, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge remarked ...
Suspended sentence
20 days
The court proceedings saw Judge Graeme Smith hand him a 12-month suspended prison sentence, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year Sex Offenders' Register order, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order
Community order
120 hours
The court proceedings saw Judge Graeme Smith hand him a 12-month suspended prison sentence, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year Sex Offenders' Register order, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order
Court order
20 days
The court proceedings saw Judge Graeme Smith hand him a 12-month suspended prison sentence, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year Sex Offenders' Register order, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order
