Richard Rickaby thought he was communicating 14-year-old but it was in fact a police officer decoy
A married pervert has avoided jail after trying to get a “schoolboy” to engage in sexual activity and sending him explicit messages and pictures.
Richard Rickaby started chatting to who he thought was a 14-year-old online but it was actually a police decoy.
A court heard that, despite knowing the child’s age, the 50-year-old sent a picture of his genitals and asked him to perform a sex act on himself.
Rickaby then also sent messages calling the teenager a “naughty boy” and discussing sexual acts and what they would do if they met.
The pervert, of Mariners Wharf, on Newcastle’s Quayside, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court last month to plead guilty to one count each of attempting to incite a boy aged 13-15 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, sending a photo or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress of humiliation and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
The case was adjourned until this week for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said Rickaby and the boy began chatting on June 3 last year but, at first, it wasn’t sexual.
However, that soon changed and Rickaby continued with sending sexual messages until September 16.
Mr Anieto added: “At one point, the defendant was communicating with the decoy and wanted to meet and also sent some images in relation to his genitals.”
The court heard that Rickaby, who has no past convictions, had become a “broken man” since his offending came to light.
Janice Hall defending, said: “I have a character reference written by his wife.
He’s a broken man, a broken man who very much appreciates that it’s his own fault.
His remorse and insight are abundantly apparent.
“Mrs Hall said Rickaby initially told the decoy that he was too young to chat but then changed his mind.
Mrs Hall added: “He does come to his senses and desists.”
Rickaby was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and must complete a mental health treatment requirement.
He must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge and sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.
