[A] KENDAL man was warned he could be jailed for committing online child sex crimes.
Alan Capstick, 45, went on trial at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this week having denied nine allegations. But as day two of the hearing was about to start today (TUES), Capstick’s barrister asked for the charges to be put again.
He entered guilty pleas to eight counts of attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity – on separate dates in 2015. Capstick also admitted one charge of publishing an obscene article, relating to messages on the Skype application.
The offences came to light after police arrested Capstick and seized his iPhone, which was analysed. This revealed “sexualised conversations” with children.
Judge Peter Hughes QC adjourned the case, asking for background information to be prepared. Capstick, of Dale Avenue, Kendal, was granted conditional bail and will receive his punishment at the crown court on August 17.
But Judge Hughes warned him: “You are facing the likely prospect of an immediate sentence of imprisonment.”
The judge also indicated that Capstick – a man of previous good character – must now sign the sex offenders’ register.
