Berkshire man jailed after trying to meet a child for sex
66 year old Paul Burrage, of Curridge Road, Thatcham, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court
A Berkshire man who attempted to meet a child for sex has been jailed for three years after being convicted of child sexual offences.
Following an investigation by specialist officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) Paul Burrage, of Curridge Road, Thatcham, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (2/9).
The 66-year-old began speaking to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat on 2 July this year.
He sent numerous photos and videos of himself of a sexual nature. He spoke about her being in her school uniform, requesting that she undress and take photos of herself.
Burrage arranged to meet the girl at Merstham Railway Station, Surrey, from where he planned to take her back to her house to engage in sexual activity.
On 21 July, Burrage drove to Berkshire to the railway station where he attempted to phone the girl to meet her. He was instead met by SEROCU officers and arrested and charged.
On 26 August, he appeared at Reading Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to arranging the commission of child sexual offence, attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to commit a sexual offence and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
Case investigator Colin Haynes, of SEROCU, said: “From the nature of the messages which Burrage sent to the person he believed to be a child, his sexual interests and intentions were clear. Thankfully in this case no victims were harmed however from his behaviour it is apparent he poses a serious risk to children.
“SEROCU will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who engage in this type of offending are brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions, and to keep the communities in the South East safe from harm.”
If you are concerned about your thoughts or behaviour towards children or those of someone else, please seek help and support via the Stop it Now! confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900. Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
If you are a victim of a sexual offence or have information about offences having been committed please report this to your local police force by calling the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.