Man sentenced for sex offence

A 65-year-old man has been sentenced for a sex offence following an investigation by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). 

At Guildford Crown Court today (13/9), Michael Collyer, of Saffron Central Square, Croydon was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He was also given a 10 year sexual harm prevention order and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years. 

He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.  

Collyer contacted who he believed to be a 13-year-old boy online, sent sexual messages and arranged a meeting for sexual purposes, detailing what to do and bring to the meeting.  

Collyer was arrested on 26 June and charged the next day.  

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Andy Hedley, of SEROCU, said: “Collyer was arrested by officers after travelling to the meeting he had arranged, demonstrating the risk he poses to children. As a result he has been sentenced today. 

“SEROCU are dedicated to investigating and bringing to justice those who seek to sexually exploit children.”