A Penrith man has admitted grooming a 13-year-old girl, attempting to meet with her for sexual activity.
A police sting led to Thomas George Thompson, 58, of Holyoake Terrace, appearing in custody at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
He pleaded guilty to intentionally arranging/facilitating an act to commission an offence on a child under 16 years, namely that he attempted to meet with a child for sexual activity on Saturday, 15th May, at Derby.
A guilty plea was also entered relating to an offence between 27th April and 15th May when he attempted to meet a girl aged 13, following grooming for the commission of an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
George Shelley, prosecuting, told District Judge John Temperley that Thompson contacted a girl in Derby through a number of social media platforms over a period of time for the opportunity of engaging in a sexual act.
The police were involved in a sting operation which led to Thompson’s arrest.
Jeff Smith, defending, said his client is a working man and a family man, happily married for 32 years.
The offences have completely ruined his life but he had pleaded guilty to both at the earliest opportunity.
Judge Temperley told Thompson the charges were very serious and could only be heard at Carlisle Crown Court, where he will be sentenced on June 15.
He was granted conditional bail with requirements that he be electronically tagged under house curfew and must not meet or contact any girl aged under 16.
He must also sign the sexual offenders register.
