Crayford man given suspended sentence for attempted child grooming

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 13:33 · Archive

Ashley Acott, 29, received a 12-month suspended prison sentence after admitting attempting sexual communication with a child.

Ashley Acott, 29, of North Road in Crayford, appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court after admitting he intentionally attempted to communicate sexually with a person he believed to be under 16 for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. The offence took place on 2 March last year. Acott pleaded guilty on 24 September.

The court stated the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified. However, the 12-month prison sentence was suspended for 12 months because the court considered there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Acott was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and must register with police for 10 years. A five-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed, placing extensive restrictions on his internet use and contact with children. The order allows police to inspect his internet-enabled devices and prohibits private browsing, automatically deleting messages and deleting internet histories. He is also prohibited from having unsupervised communication with children under 16, subject to specified exceptions including approved contact. Acott was ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £187 surcharge.

How it is being reported

• Crayford man who tried to send sexual messages to child dodges prisonA Crayford man has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence after admitting attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.News Shopper · 30 Oct, 13:06
• Crayford man who tried to send sexual messages to child dodges prisonA Crayford man has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence after admitting attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.This Is Local London · 30 Oct, 13:06

In this story: Ashley Acott · Crayford · Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court

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