March 2018

Pervert caught by paedophile hunters

A man has avoided prison after he groomed what he believed was a 14 year old girl online

Andrew Bell, 23 of Boldon appeared at court where he pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child.

Bell had initially contacted an online profile of a female. Bell, went onto send a message introducing himself. The child replied that she was 14 years old. However, Bell continued to chat, and turned the conversation sexual

Bell arranged a meet but was confronted by a paedophile hunting team

Bell was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment suspended for 2 year

He was told that he must adhere to a seven year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years