FORMER KENDAL COUNCIL WORKER IAN LOXAM JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL CHATS
A former employee of a Cumbria council attempted to offer himself as a “sex teacher” to a 12-year-old girl, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover police officer, a court was told.Ian Loxam, aged 47, faced justice after Humberside Police shared crucial evidence with Cumbria authorities, revealing his efforts to sexually engage with the “girl” over a six-day period.
Loxam, who previously resided on Kendal Parks Crescent in Kendal, pleaded guilty to trying to encourage a minor to take part in sexual activities and to communicating sexually with a child.
During the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, prosecutor Kim Whittlestone outlined that the offences occurred between August 15 and 25 of the previous year.
The misconduct began when Loxam contacted an individual via Snapchat who introduced herself as a 12-year-old girl.
“At first, the conversation seemed harmless,” Miss Whittlestone explained.
“The defendant inquired about her age, and she confirmed she was 12 and from Sheffield.
He responded that he lived in Cumbria and was 46 years old.” However, the tone soon shifted as Loxam started asking the “girl” questions about her body and if she was interested in sex.
The prosecutor detailed a series of chats where Loxam made explicit sexual remarks and described sexual acts he wished to perform.
He also sent explicit images of himself, Miss Whittlestone added.
Defense lawyer Gerard Rogerson stated that Loxam was unable to explain his behavior but mentioned that the defendant struggled with low self-esteem and felt unattractive and undesired.
“He denies any ongoing sexual interest in children,” Rogerson emphasized.
“This incident was completely unplanned; Mr.
Loxam deeply regrets his actions and does not intend to repeat them.
His life has been significantly affected—he lost his relationship, his home, and his job with the council, and now resides in rented accommodation.
He has since secured new employment and undergone private counseling to explore why he reached out to women outside his relationship.
His remorse for his actions is sincere.” The judge sentenced Loxam to 14 months in prison, suspended for a year.
The sentence includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 100 hours of community unpaid work.
Currently living on Dale Street in Lancaster, Loxam will be on the Sex Offender Register for ten years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order during the same period.
