Preston pervert tried to meet underage girls he befriended online

Preston man Michael Lord, 40, of no fixed abode, has been jailed for three years and eight months after admitting inciting a child into sexual activity, attempting to meet a child intending to commit an offence, and possessing indecent images.

Preston Crown Court was told he admitted to probation officers that he lied about his age to get into teen internet chat rooms, and chose to make friends with girls who self harmed or were suicidal and vulnerable.

He befriended his two victims before engaging in sexualised chat and exchanging photographs.

Prosecuting, Peter Barr said recrods of their conversations showed Lord had arranged to meet up with one girl in Leeds in a hotel, and also meet another youngster - but the acts were never carried through.

Defending, Bob Sastry, said: “ He accepted he had indecent images on his phone. He does have a attraction to girls aged between 10 and 15 he’s frank about that, he knows he has to deal with that, and it’s something which has caused him a great deal of difficulty over the years.

“He does not have a wide social circle and lived with his mother. She discussed this with the police and refused to allow him back to her house.”

“It seems boredom and loneliness trigger his interest in teenage girls.”

Judge Andrew Woolman said: “I find you to be a dangerous offender.

“Your pre sentence report says you’re a risk.”

However sentencing rules mean he could not impose an extended sentence.