Vile predator who sent sexual images to a child sentenced

Richard Dale, 48, has been sentenced after he pretended to be a teacher to get close to a young girl online and sent sexually explicit images of himself to the child.

However, what he didn’t know was that he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Dale had begun messaging who he believed was a 14-year-old girl online, in February 2024.

He claimed to be a teacher who taught Physical Education and Sexual Education and quickly turned the conversation to a sexual nature before sending sexually explicit photos of himself to the ‘child’.

Dale got an early morning wake-up call from officers on April 18, 2024 and was arrested and subsequently charged with sexual communication with a child.

Dale subsequently pleaded not guilty resulting in a trial at Newcastle Crown Court before being convicted on December 2 last year.

Today (Friday), Dale, of Molineux Court, Newcastle, appeared before the same court and was sentenced to 12 month suspended for 21 months, 100 hours unpaid work, 45 days of rehabilitation, ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ten years on the sex offenders register.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Dale thought he would take his chances with a trial.

“His lies were unpacked before a Judge and he is now facing the consequences of his vile actions.”

“I want to thank everyone who has supported this operation. It is just the latest example of our commitment to protecting the vulnerable in our communities.”

DC Robertson added: “Under Operational Sentinel, we will continue to work with our partners to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and 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.