An online paedophile has been freed from jail after a judge gave him a suspended prison sentence for trying to groom a child for sex.
Brian Jones, also known as Bryan Jones, was warned that if he tried to repeat what he had done, he would be back behind bars.
Jones, 64, was brought to Hove Crown Court from prison, having previously been remanded in custody to await his sentence.
At Hove yesterday (Friday 20 September), Judge Jeremy Gold heard that he went to Horsham last month, expecting to meet a 13-year-old after exchanging messages online.
Instead, he was met by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit. SEROCU said: “The arrest was supported by officers from Sussex Police.”
Jones pleaded guilty to one count of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence when he appeared in court at an earlier hearing.
He also admitted two counts of trying to meet intentionally or travel with the intention of meeting a child under 16 to commit an offence against the child.
After hearing the official guidelines for the offences, the judge sentenced Jones, of Southview Road, Headley Down, Bordon, to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Jones was ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme and was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order, intended to prevent any similar behaviour in the future.
Detective Inspector Andy Hedley, the investigating officer, said: “SEROCU remains dedicated to making sure that anyone who is prepared to commit sexual offences against children is brought to justice.
“Today, Jones has been sentenced and will be made subject to a sexual harm prevention order as an additional measure to protect the public.”
SEROCU urged anyone who was concerned about their thoughts or behaviour towards children or those of someone else to call a confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 and seek help and support from Stop it Now!
Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
SEROCU added: “If offences have been committed, please report this to your local police force by calling the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
