Man sentenced for child sex offences

A man has been sentenced for child sex offences after a complex police investigation.

David Richardson, 31, has been sentenced after he sent sexually explicit images and videos to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

However, what Richardson didn’t know was he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) carrying out a police investigation.

Following his arrest on July 17 at his home address in Denton Burn, Richardson was charged with attempt to cause a child to watch images of sexual activity and attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Today (Wednesday), he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier date.

Richardson was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, a 10-year sex offender notification requirement and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “This is just the latest investigation which has seen a dangerous predator have their day in court.

“Our work will not stop and we will continue to work 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.