A 40-year-old man who thought he was talking to a 12-year-old girl online has been jailed.
Ben Howat, of Thirlwell Gardens, Carlisle, admitted a number of charges following an operation by Cumbria police’s cyber and digital crime unit.
The 12-year-old girl he believed he was talking to was in fact an adult undertaking a sting.
Howat pleaded guilty to:
- Attempted sexual communication with a child.
- Attempting to cause a child to watch a sex act.
- Making indecent images of children.
He was jailed for 19 months following an appearance at Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday.
He also had a 10-year sexual harm prevention order imposed and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
Detective Constable Sarah Aiston, of the unit, investigated the case.
She said: “This case was another example of the work ongoing through Operation Alliance, which is our response to offences including serious crime.
“It was also conducted through joint work with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional and Organised Crime Unit.
“We are regularly seeing cases such as this appearing before the courts following the work of officers across the force and detectives in our Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, as well as the work we do with other agencies.
“Let this be a warning to anyone who has, or is considering communicating with children sexually, that you will face the full force of the law.
“You must also consider the devastating consequences for your family, friends and employment.”
