Man who arranged to meet a child for sex has been jailed

A sexual predator has been jailed – after arranging to meet a child for sex.

Sarath Savaji, 38, is now behind bars after engaging in inappropriate communications with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

The sentencing follows a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

In February 2025, Savaji was speaking to the ‘child’ online and arranged to meet in Newcastle for sex.

However, Savaji was actually speaking to a police officer who was quickly closing in through their investigation and arrested him in February.

He was subsequently charged with attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child and arrange/facilitate sexual activity with child.

Savaji, of Knoll Court in Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Yesterday (Wednesday), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars, and he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “Savaji made his vile desires very clear, and the overwhelming evidence collated by officers secured this sentence and ensured another dangerous predator is off the streets.

“Our efforts to pursue these types of child sexual predators will continue and as always we would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.