A Swindon man who pretended to be a girl to groom boys online has been jailed.
Paul Webb pleaded guilty to four counts of attempting to cause or incite a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity at Swindon Crown Court.
The 28-year-old, of Avonmead, Haydon Wick, also admitted two counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at an image of sexual activity.
The charges came after an investigation by Wiltshire Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT).
Specialist officers found that Webb was pretending to be a teenage girl online and repeatedly attempting to engage teenage boys in sexual conversation.
On Wednesday (22 July), he was jailed for four years. He must register as a sex offender indefinitely and must comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.
DC Sadie McCoy from POLIT said: “Webb is undoubtedly a dangerous individual whose behaviour poses a real risk to children.
“I’m pleased the court has recognised the severity of his offending and has put him behind bars.
“He will also be subject to a SHPO, which places a number of conditions and requirements on him for when he is released from prison.
“Our team works to prevent offenders like Webb from exploiting and abusing children and I hope this case sends a strong message to our communities that we are committed to targeting offenders like Webb who have the potential to cause serious and significant harm.”
