[A]n Ambleside man has been jailed for 27 months for committing child sex offences online.
Alan Brian Birkett, aged 56, of Pull Woods, Ambleside, was sentenced today (February 16th) at Carlisle Crown Court.
Birkett pleaded guilty to attempt to cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and attempt sexual communication with a child.
His offences were committed during conversations on an online chatroom in August 2017.
Detective Sergeant James Bailey, Digital Media Investigation Unit, said: “Alan Birkett is a predator who, when in an online conversation with a person he believed to be a 12-year-old girl, took every opportunity to turn the conversation into one of a sexual nature.
“He was simply looking to exploit a child for his own sexual gratification.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant when speaking with people online. There are people, like Birkett, who seek to exploit young people. It is also important for parents to make sure they know who their children are talking to online.”
