Man arranged to meet 13-year-old girl in Andover
He groomed 'the girl' online without realising he was speaking to Police
Last updated 22nd Feb 2024
A man from north Hampshire has been sentenced to prison for sexual offences involving children following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
Iain Miller of the Green, Whitchurch, was sentenced to a total of three years in prison at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday 14 February.
The 58-year-old pleaded guilty at a hearing at the same court in January to the following offences:
Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
Two counts of attempting to cause/incite a child in sexual activity
Attempting to meet a child following grooming
The court heard that between 15 and 23 November 2023, Miller engaged in chats online with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The chats were sexually explicit in nature.
He then arranged to meet the girl in Andover, at which point he was met by police officers and arrested. Miller was charged with the offences on 24 November.
Warning
Detective Inspector Kay Hutchings, of SEROCU, said:
“This investigation shows exactly what happens when people try to groom children online, and it should serve as a warning.
“If you engage in this sort of behaviour, there is a very strong chance that the person you are talking to is in fact a police officer, which will mean you are quickly arrested.
“This will have a devastating impact on your family, career, friendships and reputation. You will face court hearings and are likely to serve time in prison.
“I hope that Iain Miller’s case shows that this sort of offending will not be tolerated, and that our officers will take action to stop those who look to exploit children online.”