South Shields man snared by internet pervert hunters

William Orr was caught on camera by Dark Justice attempting to meet who he thought was a 15-year-old boy after midnight to engage in sexual activity.

The 55-year-old believed he was talking to a teenager called Tom but the fake profile had been set up by the group.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Orr, of Imeary Street, South Shields, contacted 'Tom' and told him he was 43 and called Liam.

Dark Justice, acting as Tom, told Orr he was a 15-year-old and, despite this, the defendant continued the conversation.

Patrizia Doherty, prosecuting, told the court Orr sent photographs of himself in boxer shorts and carrying out a sex act

She said: "He asked to meet up with Tom despite being reminded several times that Tom was only 15-years-old.

"The defendant suggested that him and Tom met up in a car park near Newcastle College in Elswick."

She said Orr arrived in a grey saloon and approached the Dark Justice representative who introduced himself as being part of the group and Orr sped off.

Dark Justice took Orr's registration number following the meeting on June 28 this year and informed the police.

Orr was arrested by Essex police, on behalf of Northumbria Police, while driving to Stanstead Airport.

Ms Doherty said: "He was trying to get away.

"There was some grooming behaviour used against the victim and significant disparity in age. He said he was 43 knowing full well Tom was 15. He was 54 at the time."

Orr admitted attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard how Orr has a previous conviction for outraging public decency in 2013 after he was caught carrying out a sex act on Seaburn Beach by a group of teenage boys.

David Callan, defending, told the court how Orr lost both his wife and his son.

He said: "The defendant married a wife called Linda when he was very young and had three children. She died when she was 25 of lung cancer.

"He had a normal sexual relationship with her. Since then he's found it very difficult to be in an intimate relationship with a woman.

"He has been confused about his sexuality. He thinks he's not bisexual but rather homosexual at this stage. He's found therapy extremely helpful.

Judge Penny Moreland told Orr: "Tom told you he was 15. You continued to talk with him."

Judge Moreland sentenced Orr to six months in prison suspended for two years.

She also ordered Orr to sign the sex offenders register for seven years, undergo a 40 day rehabilitation activity requirement and attend a sex offenders programme.