Goole man jailed for sexual communications with decoy child
Phillip Buckingham attempted to groom who he believed to be a teenage girl online
A ‘vile’ man, who attempted to groom who he believed to be a teenage girl online, has been sentenced, after an appearance at Hull Crown Court last week.
Phillip Buckingham, 61-years-old, of Dunhill Road in Goole pleaded guilty to attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, given a sexual harm prevention order and will be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
An investigation was launched in November 2022, when Buckingham used messaging apps under the username ‘funtimefred’ to initiate contact with a social media profile, he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl.
Over the course of several days, between Sunday, 6 and Wednesday, 9 November 2022, he sent a series of sexually explicit messages, including an indecent image of himself, and encouraged the recipient to send a photo in return.
Unbeknown to him, the profile was a decoy account operated by an undercover officer, set up to identify and intercept individuals attempting to exploit children online.
After further enquiries, officers observed Buckingham outside his place of work using his mobile phone where he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child and taken into custody to be interviewed.
Officer in the case, Detective Constable Paul Twidale said: “Buckingham is a vile individual who sought to exploit who he believed to be a vulnerable child.
“When questioned, Buckingham denied his intentions, stating that if those he had spoken to online had turned out to be under 18, he would have ended the chat.
“Thankfully, no child was harmed as Buckingham was talking to a decoy social media account, and I am pleased he is now behind bars and facing the consequences of his disturbing behaviour.
“I’d like to commend the dedication and professionalism of our undercover officers, whose efforts play a vital role in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
“We take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts.”
If you have any information or concerns about this kind of offending, please call the non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information, anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.