April 2009

Serial pervert avoids prison after preying on teen

FURY erupted today as a serial sex predator was given a suspended jail term after preying on a schoolgirl half his age.

Wayne Nessworthy, who has a history of targeting women, was arrested after the 14-year-old’s mother found a series of obscene text messages he had sent to her daughter.

The 29-year-old also asked the girl to send him an indecent photograph of herself and exposed himself while communicating with her via a webcam.

He has convictions for indecently exposing himself to women dating back to 1997 and was also jailed and made the subject of a restraining order in December 2005 for harassment.

His latest crime came to light when the 14-year-old, who he claimed to have a crush on, dropped her mobile phone down the toilet, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Her horrified mum discovered the obscene texts he had sent her daughter when she switched the phone on to check it was still working after attempts to dry it out, the court was told.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, went on to confirm Nessworthy had been sending her text messages for a number of days, said Glenn Gatland, prosecuting.

She also told how she would communicate with Nessworthy on the internet instant messaging service MSN and by webcam.

The girl said Nessworthy had asked her to text him a photograph of her breasts and while they had chatted via the webcam, he had performed a sexual act.

Nessworthy, of Trinity Grove, Seghill, Northumberland, admitted engaging in sexual activity in front of a child and having an indecent photograph of a child.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years with supervision, and a condition of sex offender treatment.

He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and prohibited from working with children for life.

Judge Guy Whitburn said a community order was the best way to ensure Nessworthy received the help he needed.

But he warned he would have “no hesitation” in jailing him for public protection if came back before the courts for any similar offending.

He told him: “You have a very bad record as a sexual deviant. You befriended this girl. She was but a child at the time.”

Mitigating, Lorraine Mustard, said: “He accepts he needs help and he welcomes it.”