A Wiltshire man who was caught by paedophile hunters has escaped a prison term.
46-year-old Gary Edge was convicted of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
It came after Wiltshire Police received information that between March and May last year, the defendant had been conversing with what he believed to be an underage girl.
The girl – an adult decoy set up by a group of paedophile hunters – had informed Edge that she was only 14, but he continued trying to engage her in a sexual conversation.
At Salisbury Crown Court last Monday (3 July), the defendant was sentenced to an eight-month prison sentence – suspended for two years.
He must also comply with a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, attend 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay a court surcharge of £156.
Edge, of Swaledale Road, Warminster, was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.
DS Sam Hopkinson from CID said: “I’m pleased that Edge has been sentenced and has been given a lengthy sexual harm prevention order and must be on the Sex Offender’s Register for the next decade.
“Wiltshire Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.
“While there was fortunately no victim in this case, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has suffered a sexual offence to please come forward and speak to us as soon as you can.
“Our specially trained officers will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.
“I would also urge anyone who has concerns that a child they know may be being abused or exploited, to report this to us.”
