Stephen Adams, of Hebburn, admitted arranging a child sex offence and attempting to communicate sexually with a child.
A pervert who turned up to meet a ’14-year-old boy’ for sex has been jailed. Police had deployed an undercover officer, referred to as “A”, to tackle online child exploitation and in November last year he received a Snapchat friend request from Stephen Adams.
Despite being told he was talking to a 14-year-old, he then embarked on a conversation between November 6 and 12 which became highly sexual and culminated in an arrangement to meet up.
When Adams turned up to try to meet the child, police swooped and arrested him.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that during the chat, A said he would try to skip school to meet Adams, who asked: “Are you sure you’re ok with meeting up when I’m 24 and you’re 14 and are underage.
He was assured the “boy” was keen to meet.Adams, 25, of Blackpool Parade, Hebburn, also asked “how good are you at sneaking out the house” but was told he didn’t need to as the boy’s mother was at work until 9pm.
Adams also told him he was “so cute”.At one point, A said he was messaging on his school break and had missed Adams and there was then a discussion over whether to use condoms or not.
Adams told him “I can’t wait to take your clothes off you”.
He then said: “If anyone finds out I would be in serious trouble”.
He was reassured by A that he would not tell anyone.
They arranged to meet and Adams messaged him saying he was at Tesco and was told by A he would leave now.
Police then turned up and arrested him.
Adams pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and arranging a child sex offence.
He was jailed for two years and four months and must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Recorder Jonathan Sandiford said Adams “saw an opportunity for the sexual exploitation of what you thought was a 14-year-old”.
He added: “It’s apparent your only real concern was the possibility you could meet this apparent 14-year-old in person, somewhere private, where you would not be disturbed and you could engage in sexual activity with him.
“There were discussions about what you would do and how long you would do it for. You suggested visiting him at home while his mother was at work.
“You pushed the boundaries of the proposed sexual activity. You asked for photographs of his pants.
“You clearly were aware what you were doing was seriously wrong.
You were prepared to go through with this and were arrested from the meeting place you had arranged.
“Had he existed and had the police not intervened, I have no doubt you would have carried out the intended sexual activity you had arranged with him.
“You deny having any sexual interest in children. That’s not something the court can accept.
The only sensible explanation for it is you have a sexual interest in children, whatever your other sexual interests may be.”
Jason Smith, defending, said: “Mr Adams wholeheartedly accepts he was aware what he was doing was wrong.
He accepts whatever punishment he receives today is a punishment he deserves.
“There can be no excuse and he provides no excuse as to why this offence occurred in the first place.
All he can say, in reality, is that at the time he was in a difficult place.
“He was experiencing stress and depression as a consequence of the impending or likely breakdown of the relationship he had at that time and he was very significantly affected by the death of his grandmother, both of which were colliding together to provide a perfect storm, such that he was not thinking about the consequences.
“He can’t explain why he behaved in the way he has, it’s not something he has done before.
He has no previous convictions, he has expressed remorse and he can’t believe what he has done and understands the potential for harm that would have been created.
“Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “I want to thank everyone who worked on this investigation, their efforts have ensured a dangerous predator is behind bars.
Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.”
