PRISON OFFICER AND EX-SOLDIER SENT SEX MESSAGES TO 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A prison officer, who previously served in the military and has experience as a rugby coach, was convicted for sending disturbing sexual messages to a girl he believed to be 14 years old.The messages included commands such as “do what you are told,” requests for photos of the girl in her school uniform, compliments like “looked hot,” and plans to book a hotel for sexual activity.
Unaware to the 44-year-old offender, the girl was actually an online decoy posing as a minor and contacted law enforcement authorities.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Andrew Marriott, residing in Wessington near Alfreton, initiated contact with the decoy over four days at the end of January and start of February.
The message exchange swiftly became sexual in nature, with Marriott asking her to touch herself, inquiring about her bra size, and proposing a meeting at a hotel.
The prosecution explained that Marriott stated, “He said to her ‘with you not yet being 16 what we are talking about is illegal'" and he requested a photo of her in her school uniform.
He also described in explicit detail what he intended to do to her.
Marriott was arrested on February 19 and initially answered questions with “no comment,” but later admitted to attempted sexual communication with a child and inciting a minor to engage in sexual activities.
The court heard he had no prior convictions, and his mother and step-father attended to support him.
Judge Julie Warburton sentenced Marriott to two years and eight months in prison.
She remarked that although Marriott’s previous service in the Army and work in the prison service demonstrated a strong work ethic, his actions were shocking and inexplicable.
The judge noted that Marriott, having been a prison officer, now faces increased difficulties in custody due to fears of retribution from fellow inmates.
Additionally, Marriott was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
