A Swindon man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child.
Danny Gould, 27, of Whitehead Street, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, where he faced charges related to his inappropriate online behaviour towards a person he believed to be a 14-year-old.
The offences, which occurred between 2nd April and 9th May 2024, involved Gould engaging in sexually explicit conversations via social media with what he thought was a teenage girl. In reality, the “teenager” was a decoy, which ultimately prevented an actual child from being harmed.
Gould, already on the Sex Offender’s Register, was further charged with failing to comply with its requirements. His actions have now led to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order being placed upon him, adding further restrictions to his future activities.
Detective Constable Greenman, who led the investigation, remarked on the seriousness of Gould’s intentions, saying, “Although the victim was a decoy, this does not lessen the gravity of Gould’s actions. His clear intention was to exploit a vulnerable young person for his own gratification.”
Gould’s method of operation was particularly troubling. Posing as two teenage siblings, he infiltrated a chatroom popular with adolescents, gaining their trust to target some of the most vulnerable members of society. “This case serves as a stark reminder to parents about the dangers lurking online,” DC Greenman added. “It’s crucial that parents take an active interest in their children’s digital lives and educate themselves about the risks.”
DC Greenman urged parents to stay informed and engaged with their children’s online activities. “No one can afford to ignore the potential dangers of the internet. Speak openly with your children, know which apps they are using, and stay informed. There are many resources available from agencies such as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, NCA-CEOP, and Child Net to help keep children safe.”
For additional advice and resources, parents can visit the Government website.
