A Felixstowe man who admitted to a string of sex offences has today been given a suspended jail sentence.

Oliver Milton, of Granville Road, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court where he was sentenced to 21 months in jail, suspended for 24 months.

Milton pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on 21 February 2022 to: Attempting to incite a girl to engage in penetrative sexual activity; attempting to cause a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity and three counts of making indecent photographs of children.

The court heard that between 15 January 2020 and 16 February 2020 Milton masqueraded as a 16-year-old male online and began communicating with a profile of 13-year-old female.

Milton engaged in sexual communication and sent an image portraying to be teenage male and also sent several explicit pictures and videos. He then provided his personal mobile number so the communication could continue using WhatsApp. He also tried to engage with the profile of another 13-year-old female.

Following his arrest on 23 February 2021, a number of digital device belonging to Milton were seized. These were examined by Suffolk Constabulary's Digital Forensic Unit where they discovered over 300 indecent images of children. He was further arrested and interviewed and subsequently charged with the above offences.

The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) also supported the investigation. He failed to answer bail at Ipswich Crown Court on 4 April this year and, consequently, a warrant was issued for his arrest, resulting in Milton being apprehended later the same day and he was remanded him for sentencing today (6 May).

DC Luke Burgin-Powell said: "Although the victim and Milton never met, the sentence handed down reflects the depraved nature of Milton. He was fully aware that the person he was messaging was only 13, but this fact did not prevent him from sending sexually explicit messages, images and videos.

"This type of offending is deeply troubling and I can only hope that by bringing Milton to justice at this point, further harm to the victim – or indeed other potential victims – has been prevented.

"This outcome can reassure the public that we take such allegations of online predatory behaviour on the young and vulnerable extremely seriously and work to safeguard victims as quickly as possible. We will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice."

A police website page offers useful guidance and information for parents, guardians, professionals and children to ensure all children are safeguarded from harm.

https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/child-protection

If you are worried or concerned about your thoughts or behaviour towards children you can contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for anonymous support via the Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/