BARROW MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ONLINE CHILD SEX STING WITH POLICE DECOY
A MAN has escaped an immediate custodial sentence for attempted online child sex offences with a police officer posing as a child decoy.Marshall Mullen, of Rawlinson Street, Barrow, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on October 14.
The 22-year-old previously pleading guilty to offences of attempting to cause / incite a girl 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
The offences took place between December 7 and December 10, 2024, in Barrow.
Magistrates said the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
However they suspended a 12-month sentence for two years with one requirement of completing 20 rehabilitation days due to deeming the defendant had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation within the community.
Probation also believed the defendant complying with agencies would benefit himself and the wider society.
They also took into consideration the age of Mullen and his lack of maturity.
He also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements.
In addition, £85 in court costs and a £187 victim surcharge was sought.
