MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH A CHILD
A man from Southampton has been handed a prison sentence exceeding one year after admitting to charges related to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor.The proceedings took place at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, 31 August, where Phillip Trevor Cornock, aged 34 and previously residing on Denzil Avenue, faced the consequences of his actions.
The court was informed that Cornock engaged in a series of message exchanges with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy, which occurred between August and October of 2022.
These messages were often of a highly sexual nature, indicating an intent to gratify sexually through online communication.
Notably, Cornock had also made arrangements to meet the supposed minor in Southampton, although it emerged that the supposed victim was not real part of a deceitful setup.
The legal proceedings revealed that Cornock was formally charged and appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday, 2 August, where he entered a guilty plea to the charge of attempting to communicate with a child under 16 with sexual intent.
This plea acknowledged his role in the illicit interaction, which was scrutinized as part of the case.
Following these developments, Cornock was brought back to court on the subsequent Thursday to receive his sentence.
The court adjudicated that he would serve a prison term of 14 months.
Beyond incarceration, additional measures were imposed to prevent future offenses, including a requirement to register as a sex offender and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This order will be in effect for ten years, restricting Cornock’s activities and interactions to protect the community and potential victims.
