RICHARD RICKABY

A married man identified as Richard Rickaby has avoided immediate jail time after attempting to engage a teenage boy in sexual activity and sending explicit messages and images.

According to court reports, Rickaby engaged in chat with what he believed was a 14-year-old online, which was actually an undercover police decoy.

Despite knowing the age of the child, the 50-year-old sent a photo of his genitals and asked the boy to perform a sex act.

The court heard that Rickaby also sent messages referring to the teenager as a "naughty boy" and discussed sexual acts and what they would do if they met.

The defendant, who resides at Mariners Wharf in Newcastle's Quayside area, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates Court to plead guilty to attempting to incite a boy aged 13-15 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, sending a sexual photo or film to cause alarm and distress, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Rickaby, who has no prior convictions, was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to complete a mental health treatment program.

Additionally, he is required to pay costs and a victim surcharge, and must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.

His solicitor highlighted his remorse and explained that he is a "broken man" since his offending was exposed.

The court remarked that Rickaby initially claimed he was too young to chat but later changed his mind, and his solicitor noted that he does come to his senses and stop his actions.