Pervert attempted to sexually message minor in Bolton

PERVERT ATTEMPTED TO SEXUALLY MESSAGE MINOR IN BOLTON

A pervert attempted to sexually communicate with a minor and had indecent images of children, a court heard.

Hardy, now of Queensway in Euxton, but who formerly lived in Westhoughton, had indecent images of children of all three categories, from the most serious, category A, to the least serious, category C.

He also "attempted" to sexually communicate with a minor.

Hardy was brought before Bolton Crown Court on March 11 to be sentenced for his crimes.

According to court documents, between October 16, 2023 and November 28 that year, he attempted to engage in sexual communications with a child, including "sending images of his penis" and "asking the child to send photos of herself whilst telling her (he was) touching himself".

Hardy also confessed to three counts of making indecent images of children, including eight Category A images, four Category B images, and nine Category C images.

He also admitted to possession of a "prohibited image of a child".

Hardy pleaded guilty to all five charges and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

He was also ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation activity, and three months of electronic monitoring of an alcohol abstinence order.

Additionally, Hardy must pay £150 court costs and a £187 victim surcharge.