South Tyneside man caught in police sting trying to engage 14-year-old girl in online sex chat

Lee Richardson thought he was talking to a 14-year-old girl when he joked his wife "would kill me lol" if she found out about the illegal internet exchange.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the teen's account had been set and was being run by officers from Police Scotland, who had launched Operation Stickleback to expose illegal online activity.

The Scottish force reported the 45-year-old's account to Northumbria Police's Paedophile Investigation Team and Richardson was tracked down and arrested.

Richardson, of Glen Street, Hebburn, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Prosecutor Mark Guiliani told the court Police Scotland officers set up the fake teen account in 2017.

Richardson, who was using the alias Paul Smith, made contact with the profile in February last year and asked to see her photograph.

Mr Guiliani added: "He was sent a photograph of a 14-year-old's profile.

"He asked how old and she said she was 14.

"He then sent a picture of himself and said he had a naughty picture he could send. He then sent a picture of an erect penis, presumably his, taken from a toilet cubicle and said he could tell her what to do with it."

Mr Guiliani said during a conversation in March, Richardson said he was in the bath and talked about the teen having a bath.

He added: "He said he had a wife.

"The person who was posing as the 14-year-old asked what his wife would do if she found out he was chatting to a 14-year-old girl.

"He said 'she would kill me lol'."

When asked if the conversations were their "secret", Richardson said "yep, naughty secret".

Mr Recorder Alistair MacDonald QC sentenced Richardson to a two year community order with rehabilitation requirements and 50 hours unpaid work.

Richardson must sign the sex offenders register and abide by the terms of sexual harm prevention order for five years.

The judge told him: "You must appreciate this sort of offending is very serious.

"Let this be a warning to you not to get involved in anything like this again. It is a serious matter."

The judge Richardson had "considerable difficulties" at the time of the offence, has taken full responsibility for his actions and is "ashamed".

The court heard Richardson has been assessed as posing a "low risk" of sexual re-offending.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said the child involved did not actually exist and a non-custodial sentence does not mean offenders are "left to their own devices".