Defiant Garforth paedophile found guilty of sexual chats with '12-year-old'
Pervert denies interest in youngsters despite the evidence
A predatory paedophile who made lewd suggestions to what he thought was a young girl was found guilty after a trial.
Richard Morris was talking to a decoy profile online, believing it was a 12-year-old girl.
He was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, he continues to deny an interest in children.
Leeds Crown Court heard that he had messaged other profiles, although no further charges were brought.
Mitigating on the 49-year-old’s behalf, Ella Embleton-Brown explained: “Due to shame, embarrassment and a mis-directed desire to protect their families, some defendants choose not to accept their guilt.”
However, she said Morris wished to apologise to the court.
Prosecutor Matthew Stewart said Morris latched onto the girl’s profile on a social media site in November 2023. The profile was set up on RandoChat by an undercover police officer.
No log-in or age verification is necessary on the site, with Morris telling the supposed girl he was 45 and called “Rob”.
The profile made it clear she was only 12, but it failed to deter him.
He made sickening sexual suggestions, claiming he would think about her while she was in the shower.
Over the space of a few weeks, he continued to send lewd suggestions.
Judge Kate Rayfield gave him a 14-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, telling him there was “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.
She acknowledged he had no previous convictions.
Morris, of Alandale Drive, Garforth, was also told to complete 20 rehabilitation days with probation and 150 hours of unpaid work.
He was put on the sex offender register for 10 years and given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) to curb his internet use.