Corby paedophile sent young girl sexual messages

A Corby man who sent a lewd image and sexual messages to a young girl has been jailed.

Gary Norman, 29, sent his victim messages on social media in 2019 and asked her if she had performed a sex act.

The paedophile, of Shakespeare Way, then sent her an unsolicited sexual image of himself and asked for an image in return.

But fortunately the girl did not send one of herself, instead sending a stock image of a topless woman from the internet, and Norman was later arrested.

In his police interview he admitted everything.

Prosecuting, Robert Bryan said: "He accepted knowing what he did was wrong."

Norman later admitted two charges of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and sexual communication with a child.

At his sentencing hearing at Northampton Crown Court today (Tuesday), his legal representative Liam Muir argued the case for a suspended sentence with rehabilitation to "nip it in the bud now".

Mitigating, he said: "There is a proper, real chance of rehabilitation here."

But His Honour Judge Mayo decided the "serious" offences merited a sentence of immediate custody.

Norman was jailed for three years and will serve half in custody with the remainder on licence.

He will be on the register for sex offenders indefinitely and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order restricting contact with young girls.

Detective Constable Chris Waterfall from Northamptonshire's Child Protection Team said: “I’m pleased the court has recognised the seriousness of Norman’s crimes by handing him a custodial sentence.

“The victim in this difficult case has demonstrated extreme bravery by reporting the incidents to us, which has resulted in Norman paying for his crimes while also helping protect other children from his predatory behaviour.

“This case serves as a warning to anybody with a sexual interest in children – we will track you down, protect victims and put you behind bars.

“We take all allegations of this kind extremely seriously and will leave no stone unturned to ensure children are protected and justice is done.

“Anybody with a sexual interest in children should seek help now.”

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