A man who sent explicit messages and photographs to people he believed were 14-year-old girls has been given a suspended prison sentence. Jason Brooks, 47, contacted decoys on the Bigo Live platform who were actually adult volunteers from paedophile hunter groups.
Messages to decoys
Swansea Crown Court heard Brooks told the 'girls' he was 'naked, stoned, and horny' and sent pictures of himself in lingerie. He also discussed meeting up and offered to book a hotel room. The communications were reported to police and Brooks was arrested at his home on June 16.
Denials and blame
After his arrest, Brooks denied any sexual interest in children and blamed the 'girls' for being on social media. Recorder Paul Lewis KC rejected that claim 'out of hand', saying there was 'no other explanation' for his behaviour.
Previous convictions
Brooks, now of Llanllienwen Close, Ynysforgan, Swansea, has 48 previous convictions for 143 offences, including indecent exposure, burglary, and theft. In 2017 he was jailed for four-and-a-half years for burglaries.
Sentence
Brooks pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communications with a child. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and must complete a rehabilitation course and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He will be a registered sex offender for 10 years.
