Engaging in sexual communication with a child and inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.

Cambridgeshire Paedophile Jailed for Attempting to Meet Teenager

A Cambridgeshire paedophile, John Brewster, was caught after attempting to meet a teenager he believed to be 14 years old. Brewster, 67, of Crown Close, St Ives, had been messaging his intended victim on Facebook and WhatsApp between July 11 and 15, arranging to meet her later that week.

On July 18, Brewster arrived at the meeting point just before 4:30 pm, only to find that the girl was an adult who then called the police. Officers arrested Brewster, who remained silent during his police interview.

Brewster stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court from Tuesday, March 15, and was found guilty by a jury in less than three hours of engaging in sexual communication with a child and inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.

Brewster was sentenced to three years and four months in prison on Thursday, March 17. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placed on the Sex Offenders Register, both indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant George Neal, from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), stated: "Brewster's behaviour was shocking and inappropriate; using the internet in this way will not be tolerated. Phones and social media mean children can be vulnerable to those who prey on their innocence and exploit their trust. Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."

Anyone concerned about someone who may have been convicted of a sex offence and could pose a risk can apply for disclosure information through Sarah's Law. For information and advice about child abuse, including online grooming, visit the Cambridgeshire Constabulary's dedicated child protection webpage.