Sunderland pensioner caught in police sting trying to meet 14-year-old boy for sex

Brian Steel believed he was chatting online with a child when he discussed sex acts, sent pictures of himself and asked for naked photos of the boy.

But the 67-year-old had been talking to a police officer who had set up a fake internet profile to catch adults looking for illegal contact with children.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Steel began chatting to "CJ" on the Fabguys dating website and suggested they move the conversation to Kik or Snapchat.

Prosecutor Alec Burns said: "CJ said he was 14 and the defendant's response was to say not to mention that he was 14 because Snapchat would block him and stop the communication.

"The conversation continued between March 10 and 19 and the defendant sent pictures of himself and asked for naked pictures from CJ.

"He asked what sexual experience he had and they had quite a conversation about sexual acts."

The court heard a meeting at McDonald's was discussed and Steel then suggested they meet up but do nothing sexual.

Mr Burns said: "He continued to offer him rewards of a McDonald's meal and cigarettes.

"They discussed where they might meet."

The court heard CJ sent a photograph, which Steel was sceptical about until given a link for his Instagram account.

They then continued chatting for six days and an arrangement was made to meet, with Steel saying he might drive them around in his car.

When he turned up he was confronted by police and arrested.

Steel claimed CJ told him he was being bullied for being gay and that he just wanted to give him advice.

Mr Burns said: "He said the boy wanted to try new things and he said 'not with me you're not, try with someone your own age' - which is contrary to what the log says.

"He said offering McDonald's and cigarettes was because he felt sorry for him and wanted to help him."

Steel, 67, of Londonderry Tower, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child for sexual activity following grooming.

He was sentenced to eight months suspended for 18 months with a £300 fine and must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the next ten years.

Judge Julie Clemtison told him: "Right from the beginning, you made reference to being attracted to him and mentioned a reward for him.

"Even during interview with the probation service, you maintained your actions towards this boy were entirely altruistic and you were simply trying to help him, rather than meeting him for your own sexual gratification."

The judge added that it was difficult to see Steel being rehabilitated until he admitted he had a "deviant sexual interest in boys".

Judge Clemitson said he was "ashamed and embarrassed" and said she could suspend the sentence due to his personal mitigation and the current circumstances in prison due to the coronavirus, which would make a custodial sentence more onerous given his health difficulties.

Vic Laffey, defending, said Steel has "significant health problems", is 50% disabled as a result of an industrial accident and has COPD and mental health issues.

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