A PERVERTED Warwick man has admitted multiple online sex offences including attempting to engage a child in sexual communication.
Mark Stewart, of Kempton Drive, used an online messaging platform to send suggestive messages believing he was talking to a girl under the age of 13.
His actions alerted the Online Investigations Team at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), who passed on details to Warwickshire Police, who then arrested Stewart at his home.
A search was carried out and several items were seized including his mobile phone with subsequent forensic analysis revealing Stewart had been involved in multiple conversations of a sexual nature.
The 32-year-old was also found to have shared images of himself, requested images from the profile of the girl, and asked them to perform a sexual act.
He initially provided a no comment interview, but appearing at Warwick Crown Court he pleaded guilty two counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, one count of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and one count of attempting to cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity
He will be sentenced at the same court on September 18.
DC Rachel Priestley, from Warwickshire Police’s Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: “His behaviour was despicable, and I hope his conviction shows how we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to bringing offenders to justice.
“Using a range of techniques – including working with other law enforcement agencies – we will continue to pursue and identify those who are sharing material online of children, which is abhorrent.
“Social media is a minefield nowadays, and unfortunately this means there are people out there who may seek to hide their true age, gender, or identity online in a bid to take advantage of others.
“This is where parents and carers can play a critical role by talking to their children and making sure they’re interacting safely online.
“Please have regular conversations with your children and if you are worried about the way someone has been communicating with them, report it online or visit the Child Exploitation and Online Protection website
“You can also find out more about the social networks, apps and games your child uses by visiting the NSPCC Keeping children safe online website
“It’s a great resource that has information about what games, apps and social media platforms do, the risks involved and how you can change privacy settings, report and block users.”
