A homeless man from South Shields has been sentenced for sending intimate photos to what he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Joseph Spooner, 38, engaged in sexual communication with a decoy account operated by an online vigilante group, Children's Innocence Matters.
Details of the Offence
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that Spooner began chatting with the 'girl' on January 15, and the conversation continued until January 19. The communication escalated to sexual messages, including an intimate photo. The vigilante group took screenshots and alerted the police.
When arrested, Spooner was found in possession of cannabis and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and possession of the drugs.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Prosecutor Chike Anieto stated that Spooner asked sexually-motivated questions and sent an intimate image. Defending, John Brown said Spooner initially thought the fictitious female was 18, but when she said she was 15, he moderated his dialogue before reverting to a sexual nature.
Spooner received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with an 18-month community order. He must pay a £187 victim surcharge and £85 costs, and sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.
