A man from Oxfordshire who attempted to incite a child to engage in sexual activity has been jailed today (10/1). 

Following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), Paul Worth, of Charlbury Road, Enstone, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at a hearing at Oxford Crown Court. 

He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

The 60-year-old pleaded guilty at a previous court hearing on 8 November at the same court to arranging the commission of a child sexual offence contrary to section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, attempting to have sexual communication with a child contrary to section 15(a) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, contrary to section 12 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

Between August and October last year, Worth communicated online with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He sent explicit images, engaged in sexualised conversation and arranged to meet the child for sexual activity. On 10 October he travelled to Bicester to meet the child where he was arrested by police. Officers found a sleeping bag and pillows in the rear of his vehicle when he was arrested. 

He was charged in connection with the offences the following day (11/10). 

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Cox, of SEROCU, said: “The harm caused by child sexual abuse cannot be underestimated. SEROCU works tirelessly to ensure those who are prepared to commit sexual offences against children, such as Worth, are stopped in their tracks and brought before a court to ensure justice can be served. Our priority is to safeguard children.” 

If you are concerned about your thoughts or behaviour towards children or those of someone else, please seek help and support via the Stop it Now! confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900. Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.     

If offences have been committed, please report this to your local police force by calling the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can report child sexual abuse images and videos online anonymously via the Internet Watch Foundation. Offences can also be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

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