PHD STUDENT JAILED AFTER TURNING UP AT TRAIN STATION TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD BOY FOR SEX
A doctoral student was placed in custody after being caught in a police operation attempting to meet a child for sex.Sarath Sivaji believed he had arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy at Newcastle Central Station, but the profile he had been communicating with was actually operated by law enforcement officers.
At Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Sivaji sent a message indicating he was at the designated meeting point in February, prompting police to intervene and arrest him.
The 38-year-old, married and residing at Knoll Court in Newcastle, admitted to conspiring to facilitate a child sex offence and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order for a period of 15 years.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw presented the case, explaining that Sivaji had initially contacted a profile on a dating website claiming to belong to a 20-year-old.
Their conversation later moved to Snapchat, where Sivaji learned he was actually speaking to a 14-year-old boy with sexual experience.
Sivaji stated he was seeking "friends, intimacy, cuddles and kisses," but their discussions became increasingly sexual.
The prosecutor noted Sivaji had offered to "show him around" Newcastle University, where he studied, while emphasising the need for absolute discretion due to the child's age.
Judge Tom Moran commented that Sivaji's intent was ultimately to arrange for penetrative sexual activity, pointing out that Sivaji had gone to the meeting location and was then arrested.
He highlighted the extensive planning involved, including discussions about the meeting, deciding where to go, and what actions to take.
The judge also remarked on the fact that the child claimed to be sexually experienced, suggesting he had already suffered harm or been subject to abuse.
The court was informed that Sivaji moved to the UK from India in 2022 and was near the end of a four-year doctorate program, but his studies were suspended following his arrest.
During the hearing, Sivaji presented character references, including letters from his wife and details of his voluntary work.
It was also noted that he had been drinking excessively at the time of the offences but had since taken steps to address his alcohol use.
