A Swindon man who was caught by a local paedophile hunter after arranging to meet a child for sex has today been sentenced at crown court.
Mark Lee Smith, a father-of-one, was arrested by Danny Catcher, who hunts sexual predators online, on Regent Street in Swindon town centre on 22 June.
On 21 July, Smith pleaded guilty to leaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual conduct and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
The conversation started on the dating app Skout, where the paedophile hunter, who was posing as the child, made him aware of her age – on many occasions.
The conversation moved on to Kik, a messaging app, where the meet was arranged.
The disturbing chat logs show his intent to meet the 14-year-old and have sexual intercourse with her – even suggesting it’s better without a condom.
At Swindon Crown Court today, Smith received a 36 month community order and a sexual harm prevention order imposed for five years. He’s also required to undergo rehibiltation lasting 25 days. He’ll have to sign the sex offenders register for five years.
You can like Danny Catcher on Facebook, or follow @DannyCatcher on Twitter.
