[A] MAN must sign the sex offenders’ register after he was caught trying to make illegal online contact with what he believed to be two girls.
Steven William Hodgson, 48, admitted two offences when he appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
These were two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, both committed between March 1 and April 11 this year. It is said that no real children were involved in Hodgson’s online crimes, although the charges state that the he “reasonably believed” the two “girls” named in the charges were aged under 16.
Judge James Adkin adjourned the case. He told Hodgson he would be interviewed by the probation service “to discuss your background and why you committed these offences”.
Hodgson, of John Street, Carlisle, was granted bail, but heard the judge could offer “no promises as to what your sentence will be.”
Hodgson is due to be punished on June 8, and was told he must sign the sex offenders’ register with immediate effect.
