June 2022 Exeter pervert went online looking for young girl ‘slaves’ A pervert who went online looking for young girl ‘slaves’ was caught by an undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old. Warwick Bassett struck up a conversation with the ‘girl’ online which soon turned sexual. He threatened her without knowing he was really chatting with an adult decoy. When police raided his house they found indecent images of children on his computer. Bassett, a 43-year-old from Exeter, was spared jail after telling the court he had been making efforts to change his behaviour. He was given a three-year community order at Exeter Crown Court and ordered to complete a sex offender programme. The judge said it was ‘better for society’ that he did work in the community and on his attitudes than spend a short time in prison. Ms Emily Pitts, prosecuting, said an undercover police officer set up a decoy account on two online networking sites. Bassett got in touch and the ‘girl’ made clear she was 12 years old. Bassett asked about her breasts and demanded to see them, threatening her for being under 18. He also pestered her about wearing a school shirt and tie. The communication lasted several days. Police executed a warrant at his address. They found indecent images of kids There was also Skype activity from another account showing requests and receipt of the images. Bassett, of Binford Close, has previously been cautioned for possessing indecent images of children. A report by probation recommended he was a good prospect for rehabilitation. The defendant admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and making indecent photos of children. Judge Peter Johnson said: “In June 2020 you went onto a chat platform and thought you were dealing with a 12 year old girl and thought you were enticing a 12 year old into many humiliating acts that were going to be photographed for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. Fortunately it was a law enforcement decoy.” Bassett must do 80 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation days with probation as part of the community order. He was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting his use of the internet for five years and told to sign the sex offender register. May 2022 Exeter man admits indecent child images offence A 43-year-old man from Exeter has admitted attempted sexually communication with a child. Warwick Bassett, of Binford Close, Whipton, also pleaded guilty to making indecent photos of children when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday [May 11]. The defendant spoke only to confirm his personal details and enters pleas during the short hearing before Deputy Circuit Judge Neil Davey QC. He admitted that between June 14 and June 20 in 2020 he attempted sexual communication with a child he did not believe was over 16. He made the indecent photos between October 27, 2015 and August 19, 2020. A pre-sentence report will be made before Bassett is sentenced. The court was told it will provide more information about Bassett, his background and his Asperger’s. Judge Davey adjourned the case until the sentencing hearing on June 17. The defendant was bailed until then.