NORTHALLERTON MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A man named Richard Severs, aged 60, was arrested for attempting to engage in a sexual liaison with what he believed was a 14-year-old boy at Dalton Park shopping centre near Murton, County Durham.He had initially contacted the decoy profile set up by police on the gay dating site Grindr.
Durham Crown Court heard that Severs was recognized from a picture posted on the site and was found to be in possession of lubricant and a sex toy when police apprehended him.
During the search of his home near Northallerton, authorities recovered a mobile phone and a laptop containing five indecent images of children.
The examination revealed searches for paedophilic material dating between June 2014 and December 2015.
Severs acknowledged his responsibility for the images in a statement but made 'no comment' during police interviews.
He expressed remorse, stating he understood the children on the images were ‘victims’ and that he sought help through the Safer Lives programme as well as therapy for depression and anxiety.
Severs has no prior convictions.
He admitted to offences including attempting to communicate sexually with a child, facilitating a child sex offence, and making indecent images of children.
The attempted liaison with the ''boy'' occurred just hours after his first contact with the profile, which was set up by an undercover police officer.
The court also noted that Severs requested the boy to wear clean underwear and that the plan to meet for sex was discussed intensively.
He has worked as a mental health professional and engaged in rehabilitation efforts following his arrest.
Judge James Adkin sentenced him to 28 months in prison, with the possibility of release after half the term served.
He was also ordered to serve 20 years on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
Severs's property was confiscated, and he was recognized as a man who showed some insight into his offending but was also under significant stress and mental health issues at the time.
