Registered sex offender jailed for online sex offences

A registered sex offender has been jailed after pleading guilty to online child sex offences.

Harry Croft, 63, from Southport appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 25 March, where he was sentenced to six years imprisonment plus a two year license extension after receiving 11 charges.

The court heard that between 9 August and 15 August 2024, Croft engaged in sexual communication with two girls under 16. During those conversations Croft had sent explicit images of himself as well as asking the children for graphic images and videos in return. 

In October 2024, Croft was arrested at his home address by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. They seized several devices, one was concealed by Croft was found to contain other chats to victims.

He was found to be in breach of his sexual harm prevention order and was charged with 11 offences including attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempt to cause / incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempt to cause a child to watch / look at an image of sexual activity.

The court described Croft as a dangerous offender and he has been imposed with a life Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Registered Sex Offender notification.

The conditions on the order prohibits Croft from having contact with a child under 16 years old or engaging in any chat online for the rest of his life.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Weir from the NWROCU said:

"This result has seen a extremely dangerous sexual predator be put behind bars once again. Croft's utterly depraved actions have no place in our society, and we welcome the lengthy sentence and the life orders imposed on him.

"Croft was fully aware he was talking to children under age of 16 and yet he still sent graphic images of himself.

"Today is a testament to our team's commitment and dedication to get justice for the defendants' victims. We work with police forces across the region, and beyond, to ensure that dangerous individuals are identified and brought to justice.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police."

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
Childline – call 0800 1111

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.