YORKSHIRE MAN FACES PRISON AFTER ATTEMPTING TO MEET MINOR FOR SEX
A man from Yorkshire is set to face prison after attempting to meet a minor for sexual purposes.Philip Ruddy, aged 49 and married with two children, had been messaging what he believed to be a 14-year-old online, and the tone of their exchanges soon became sexual.
According to court proceedings, Ruddy discussed the possibility of performing a sexual act with the alleged teenager and planned to meet him on Potts Street in Byker, Newcastle.
He was unaware that he was talking to a police decoy.
After Ruddy clarified his intentions, officers arrested him as he arrived at the designated meeting place, as reported by ChronicleLive.
Ruddy, whose address is Boroughbridge Road in Harrogate, appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court and confessed to charges of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
Prosecutor Marc Atkins stated that Ruddy had started the online conversation earlier in the year, with discussions about sexual activity.
He explained, “The defendant was speaking with a police decoy posing as a 14-year-old.
When he showed up at the meeting point, officers detained him.” The incident occurred on May 31 when Ruddy arrived at Potts Street and was taken into custody.
Defense solicitor John Brown mentioned that mitigation would be prepared for the crown court, acknowledging that the case was too serious for magistrates' jurisdiction.
District Judge Paul Currer told Ruddy, “You have admitted guilt, but because the case is so serious, it will be handled at the crown court.
Your next appearance is scheduled for October 6, where you will be sentenced.
A pre-sentence report will be organized in the meantime.” Ruddy was released on conditional bail until his next court date.
