Man admits sexual communications with child
Jason Payne sent explicit messages over Snapchat in an effort to get a child to send him intimate images
A man from Calne has admitted to sending explicit messages to a child in an attempt to get her to share intimate photos of herself.
On 15th April this year, Jason Payne, 37, of Station Road sent the messages to a child he knew over Snapchat, before trying to block her from giving evidence by intimidating her.
He was reported to police and arrested before being released on bail as enquiries continued. As part of his bail, he was told not to contact the victim or her family.
But he breached this conditions, repeatedly telling them he would self-harm if they continued supporting the investigation, which included claiming he would kill himself on the day the child was due to give evidence to officers.
He was charged with sexual communications with a child and witness intimidation, and remanded into custody.
In a hearing at Swindon Crown Court this week (8/7), he pleaded guilty to the offences, and will be held in custody until his sentencing later this year.
Local Crime Investigator Christopher Wright, based in our Volume Crime Team, said: “Payne is a predator who repeatedly preyed on the victim, first by sending sexually explicit communications to her, and then by breaking his bail conditions on numerous occasions to attempt to pressure her and her family into retracting their evidence.
“I would like to commend them for their courage in continuing to support the investigation, which has now seen Payne plead guilty to these offences.
“We take these offences incredibly seriously and we will ensure that offenders like Payne are held to account for their actions.”
Online safety advice can be found on the Wiltshire Police website.