Wiltshire man jailed for sexual communications with a child

33 year old Daniel Thomas breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 3rd Nov 2023

A Wiltshire man's been jailed for four years and four months, after breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

33 year old Daniel Thomas sent sexual communications to who he believed was a 13 year old girl.

It was actually a specially trained police officer.

Thomas, from Westbury, used a social media platform for the contact, and was arrested in June this year.

He was charged with engaging in sexual communications with a child; causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act; and for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

His prison sentence has been handed down at Salisbury Crown Court, along with three years on extended licence upon released.

PC Whittaker of the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) unit said:

“Thomas is a repeat offender who has persistently targeted children and attempted to engage them in sexual activity.

“Through actively managing his SHPO, we were able to monitor his behaviour and implement a decoy which allowed us to successfully bring this prosecution and protect children from him.”

Detective Inspector David Wells from the Online Investigations Team at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) said:

“The repeated attempts by Daniel Thomas to engage young children in sexual activity online show the high level of risk he posed, and the sentence handed down this week reflects that.

“This is challenging but vital work. Law enforcement agencies are across the internet determined to ensure offenders like him don’t succeed in abusing and exploiting children. It is crucial parents and children themselves take steps to protect against the threat.”

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