HULL MAN GIVEN JAIL FOR ONLINE CHILD PREDATION AFTER BELIEVING HE'S TALKING TO 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A Hull man named Justin Irvine engaged in illicit online communication with a decoy portraying a 12-year-old girl.He exchanged highly sexualized messages, stating 'age is just a number' and expressed a desire to have 'fun' with her.
Irvine sent explicit images and asked for an intimate picture, also admitting to being 'horny' during the exchanges.
The police set up the decoy profile, and Irvine believed he was talking to a real girl of 12.
Prosecutor Jennifer Gatland outlined that Irvine said, 'That is shocking.
You are a nice person.
You are young.
There is plenty of time ahead of you,' and sent a photo along with the message 'Let's go.' The communication persisted for days after which Irvine was arrested on May 19, 2023.
During police interviews, he made no comment.
It was noted Irvine had prior convictions, including one for unlawful sex with a girl when he was 13.
His mitigation solicitor, Julia Baggs, explained that Irvine accepted responsibility, realizing the grave impact of his actions, adding that 'this has been a huge wake-up call for him.' Irvine's partner had left him due to this offending.
Judge John Thackray KC responded, emphasizing Irvine's belief that he was communicating with a 12-year-old girl, which was confirmed to be a police officer.
The judge condemned Irvine's behavior, particularly that he requested intimate pictures and engaged in sexual conversations, which are considered serious offences.
The judge stated, 'You requested intimate pictures.
You had sexual conversations and took a picture.
That is a serious offence.' He highlighted the severity that Irvine, in his 30s, believed he was chatting with a minor.
Overall, Irvine was sentenced to one year in prison, ordered to stay away from minors with a five-year sexual harm prevention order, and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.
