PAEDOPHILE JAILED AGAIN AFTER TARGETING UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER ONLINE
A man convicted of paedophilia has been sentenced to prison for attempting to persuade a minor into engaging in sexual acts.Jessica Smith tried to establish online contact with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl, unaware that the individual was an undercover police officer.
Additionally, the court heard that Smith repeatedly violated a court order aimed at safeguarding the public.
Residing in Newton Poppleford, Smith has a history of similar offences.
In 2021, he tried to meet a 14-year-old girl but was caught hiding in bushes by paedophile hunters.
The 46-year-old admitted to six new charges and received a prison term of approximately four years and five months.
He admitted to four breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and two attempts to engage a child in sexual activity.
These breaches included creating online profiles while banned and possessing a laptop without informing authorities.
The court was also informed that Smith, who is male but identifies as trans female, struggles with mental health issues.
Judge Stephen Climie stated that the most serious offense was the attempt to induce a girl into penetrative sexual activity in January 2025.
He noted that mental health problems played a significant role in the offending behavior.
The judge expressed concern about the possibility of future offences but decided not to impose an extended sentence under dangerousness provisions.
During mitigation, Kelly Scrivener acknowledged that Smith derived sexual excitement from his actions.
The defendant was reportedly bullied during school, worked as a mechanic, but was socially isolated, and suffers from anxiety and depression.
He is also desperate for acceptance.
A Sexual Offences Prevention Order has been issued and will remain in effect until further notice.
