A Ludgershall man who contacted an underage boy online has escaped a prison sentence.
Ian Hackett, 60, previously pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (9 March).
The defendant, of Pearl Houses, Andover Road, initially spoke to the boy – aged under 16 – on a dating site and later on WhatsApp between 15 April and 26 April 2021.
District Judge Stephen Apted imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
Hackett was slapped with a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits him from using internet devices until they are approached by Wiltshire Police. He’s also banned from wiping his search history, which will be checked by officers.
The order also prohibits the man from entering or accessing any internet-based chat rooms or social media sites to communicate with others without prior permission from the force.
Alongside the SHPO, Hackett will register as a sex offender, complete 15 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service and complete a Horizon Accredited Programme.
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