A 21-year-old Saltford man has been sentenced for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Cormac Tees appeared at Bath Magistrates' Court on Monday, 28 September, to answer charges relating to explicit online communications.
The court heard that in February this year, Tees contacted whom he thought was a 14-year-old boy online, who was, in fact, an undercover police officer.
During their interactions, Tees sent explicit messages inviting the decoy to masturbate with him on camera and also sent a photograph of his genitalia. Prosecutor Michael Collins told the court: “He knew exactly who he was targeting and what he was doing.”
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Following his arrest, Tees refused to provide his phone’s PIN to police, which impeded the investigation.
Defence counsel, Micia Rigby, explained that Tees has a brain injury caused by a traumatic birth and noted his client had previously shown distress when discussing his actions. She said: “He knows now that it was wrong, but didn’t really appreciate it at the time.”
Ms Rigby also highlighted that Tees pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, has autism and a learning disability, and has a history of substance use including crystal meth, ketamine, and ongoing struggles with alcohol. The court was informed that the defendant was himself a victim of sexual abuse.
Sentencing, the magistrate acknowledged the complexities of the case, saying: “In my eyes, this is quite a sad case because we have been told you have a brain injury from birth. Nevertheless, this was a serious matter against a vulnerable child, or one believed to be. We cannot allow that behaviour to take place or continue.”
Tees was handed an 18-month community order, a five-year sexual harm prevention order, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a nine-month drug rehabilitation order. Additionally, he must pay a surcharge of £114 and prosecution costs of £85.