A 55-year-old man has been jailed after sending explicit photos and messages to someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl. Andrew Peters, from Vale of Glamorgan, mistakenly thought he was chatting with a teenager named “Millie” on Facebook and WhatsApp, unaware he was actually interacting with a decoy.
Despite being previously cautioned by police for having an inappropriate image sent by a colleague as a “joke,” Peters continued his disturbing behaviour, even encouraging “Millie” to perform sexual acts and delete their conversation. He was found guilty of multiple charges, including attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity.
In court, Judge Hywel James highlighted that Peters showed no remorse or understanding of his actions, attempting to manipulate the decoy throughout their interactions. The judge dismissed Peters’ claims of being “goaded” and noted his intention to meet the “girl,” although no plans were made.
Peters received a 33-month prison sentence and faces indefinite restrictions under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts to protect children from online predators. Let’s keep our communities safe by staying aware and informed.