A pervert engaged in sexual chat with what he thought was a child on Christmas Eve and asked him to meet him.
Stephen Gunn made contact with someone online called Louise, who told him she was 14, but it was actually a decoy profile being run by vigilantes. A court heard he was not put off by the revelation of her age and the conversation moved to WhatsApp and became sexual.
Gunn sent a picture of his penis and asked to meet her, suggesting she bring a friend to take part in the proposed sex act he wanted. Newcastle Crown Court heard he also asked questions about her body and requested pictures of her wearing a thong.
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They agreed to meet at Gateshead Stadium, although he didn't actually attend. He also asked if he could keep her knickers after they had sex.
Gunn, 52, of Barford Court, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and was sentenced to nine months suspended for two years with rehabilitation, an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement and he must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Jane Foley, defending, said Gunn's daughter has health issues and recently had heart surgery and he lost his job as a result of taking time off to care for her. His relationship has also broken down and he now lives alone.
Miss Foley added that, having drunk heavily for ten years it got worse shortly before the offence but he is now not drinking. He also has anxiety and depression.
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