Predator jailed after sending sexually explicit messages to child

A predator has been jailed after engaging in sexual communications with someone he believed was a child.

Stephen Adams, 25, is now behind bars after being sentenced by a Judge following a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Adams, of Blackpool Parade in Hebburn, believed he was talking to a 14-year-old boy online and persisted to send him sexually explicit messages and images of himself.

However, Adams was actually speaking to a NEROCU police officer who was closing in on their investigation.

Adams arranged to meet with the child last November but all he found was officers ready and waiting to arrest him. He was subsequently charged with Attempt to Arrange/Facilitate Child Sex Offences and Sexual Communication with a Child.

Adams appeared at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Today (June 20), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment, 10 years on the sex offenders register and a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “I want to thank everyone who worked on this investigation, their efforts have ensured a dangerous predator is behind bars.

“Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.”

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.