Attempting to sexually interact online with who he thought to be two 13-year-old youngsters, Steven Hodgson Barrow Paedophile has been imprisoned.
Steven Hodgson, 61, of Middle Hill, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 42 months for two counts of attempting to sexually contact a child and two counts of attempting to persuade a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
Between December 27, 2022, and January 1, 2023 the offences were carried out.
Police were approached on January 2, 2023 by a member of an online child sexual abuse activist group claiming to have complied information on Hodgson sexually contacting what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl online.
Steven Hodgson struck up sexual talks despite the “child” informing him she was 13.
This information along with police inquiries resulted in Steven Hodgson’s arrest from his house address.
Following this, a different online child sexual abuse advocacy group gave authorities information about Steven Hodgson allegedly contacting another 13-year-old girl online.
Steven Hodgson admitted confessed to the charges at a previous hearing.
“Steven Hodgson engaged in sexual online conversations with two people he believed to be 13-year-old females,” a police official said.
“Steven Hodgson obviously poses a threat to children, and his use of the internet to participate in sexually explicit chats was appalling.
Although there were no actual girls involved, this does not lessen the gravity of his wrongdoing.
“One of our main concerns is shielding young people from harm and making sure children are safe online from predators; we will do all in our ability to see those who break the law before the courts.”
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