NEWCASTLE METRO WORKER ADMITS TO ATTEMPTED SEX CHAT WITH '13-YEAR-OLD' IN SWEDEN
A Newcastle Metro customer services worker, Robert Wilkinson, communicated sexually with a "child" in Sweden and downloaded indecent images of youngsters.Northumbria Police were notified by the National Crime Agency about a Kik account suspected of uploading indecent images from Wilkinson's IP address.
When they visited his home, authorities seized his computer equipment and discovered over 100 indecent images of children, including some in the most serious categories and featuring youngsters aged between five and eleven.
Additionally, there were images depicting extreme pornography involving a woman and a dog.
Jordan Parkinson, prosecuting, explained that further examination of Wilkinson's devices revealed he had been communicating sexually with someone claiming to be a 13-year-old girl in Sweden.
Wilkinson made several comments about her age and sexual content, including saying she was "the hottest 13-year-old he had ever seen".
He also sent sexual images.
When police interviewed him, Wilkinson fully admitted his actions.
Miss Parkinson stated: "He said he knew the individual was 13 years old and that it was unacceptable to have spoken with them but he said he was bored and going through a c*** time.
He denied being attracted to children." Wilkinson, 68, of Redewood Close, East Denton, Newcastle, had no previous convictions.
He pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, possessing indecent images of children, and making extreme pornography.
Prosecutors could not confirm if the communication was with a real child or someone pretending.
He was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he must register as a sex offender and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Judge Stephen Earl emphasized the seriousness of the offending, noting the attempt to communicate with a likely minor despite ambiguity.
His defense lawyer, Ian Hudson, highlighted Wilkinson's immediate confession and engagement with a program to address his issues.
Hudson said: "He has realised the poison of it and done something about it." Wilkinson resigned from his eight-year job with Metro.
His partner of 14 years has remained supportive, and he intends to return to work.
