EX-WORKINGTON MAN CONVICTED AFTER POLICE STING EXPOSES ONLINE SEX CHAT WITH 12-YEAR-OLD
A FORMER Workington man and his wife were “grateful” after a police investigation exposed him trying to communicate sexually online with a "12-year-old girl." John Dilling, 72, who was unwittingly messaging an undercover police officer, walked free after a judge concluded that any risk he may pose can be managed in the community.The defendant, now of Beechwood Court, Skelmersdale, had earlier admitted attempting to sexually communicate with a child and possessing four child abuse images, categorised as Category A, the worst kind.
The offending came to light as a result of an online undercover police operation, Carlisle Crown Court heard.
At the time, Dilling genuinely believed the person he was conversing with online was aged 12, the court heard.
After the sexualised conversation, the defendant concluded the interaction by telling the person: “Take care.” Kim Whittlestone, defending, said the defendant was a man of previous good character, who had enjoyed a successful globe-trotting career, but he had suffered depression throughout his adult life.
His wife of 30 years had been diagnosed with cancer, and Dilling had also lost his mother.
His continuing depression and feeling isolated had manifested itself, said the barrister, with the defendant looking for pornography on the internet and the dark place that resulted in the offending behaviour.
There was an interesting comment by his wife in her statement, said Miss Whittlestone.
“She said they are grateful for the intervention of the police because he now not only addressing his depression… he is also on medication and addressing his ADHD.” His once powerful sexual urges were now no longer there.
Dilling had also sought help from various agencies to address his use of pornography, though his offending had led to him stepping away from voluntary work he had previously been doing.
Miss Whittlestone added: “He is extremely embarrassed by this offending behaviour and through me apologises to this court.”
