Respected charity worker attempted to engage in sexual communication with two girls who he knew to be under the age of 16.

A respected charity worker who attempted to engage in sexual communication with police officers posing as underage girls has been spared jail.

Gordon Lane, a retired banker and founder of North Harrow Stroke Group, was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with two girls he believed to be under 16, including one who was 12, between January 5 and February 7, 2023.

The 66-year-old, who lives in Pinner, sent explicit messages to the decoys, including inquiries about sexual acts and graphic descriptions of his own behavior. He also offered to buy gifts for the child he believed he was communicating with.

While Lane pleaded guilty to the charges in November, the court heard that he expressed remorse and had already begun to address his offending through rehabilitative courses.

Judge John Lodge acknowledged the seriousness of Lane's actions but ultimately suspended his six-month sentence, citing his strong personal mitigation and contributions to the community.

Lane was also ordered to complete 30 hours of rehabilitation activity, pay £400 in costs, and will be registered as a sex offender for seven years.