Sunderland man caught by decoy acting as a child on Snapchat
A Sunderland man was caught by undercover police when he engaged with an officer he believed was a child on messaging app Snapchat, a court heard.
Darren Jarrett, 42, of Margate Street, Silksworth, sent explicit images and messages to the decoy – identified in court as ‘X’ - and invited him to engage in sexual activity.
He did so even after being told he was conversing with a 14-year-old, prosecutor Marcus Blakelock told magistrates in South Tyneside.
When interviewed after his arrest, he said he used the app for “flirty chats” and his head had “not been in the right place”.
He pleaded guilty to one count of inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration, and four of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Mr Blakelock said: “The reason why the respondent person is referred to as ‘X’ is because it’s an undercover police officer.
“On March 18 the operative invited the defendant to chat on Snapchat. A Snapchat message was received and the operative said he was 14 but nearly 15.
“A number of explicit messages were sent, inviting the undercover officer to engage in sexual activity. Images were sent.
“He said that he used Snapchat for flirty chats. When shown the images, he said his head had not been in the right place.
“He comes to court with no previous convictions on his record.”
Jarrett committed the offences between Monday, March 17, and Saturday, June 7 last year, with four in Sunderland and one in Northumberland.
Alastair Naismith, defending, said the court’s sentencing options were made complicated by there being different guidelines for attempted communication with a real child and a decoy.
But he added: “It’s still within your powers to deal with it. I think the correct option today is to stand it down for reports.”
Magistrates adjourned the case for an all-options report to the same court on Thursday, March 26.
They told Jarrett his case could still be sent to Newcastle Crown Court for final sentencing.
He was granted bail on condition he resides at his home address and has no contact with any child aged under 16, without the knowledge of social services or a parent or guardian.
Jarrett was also made subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.