A 67-year-old man, Gordon Welch, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for attempting to arrange a meeting with a schoolgirl for sexual abuse. Welch, a former DJ from Portsmouth, was caught in a sting operation after engaging in online conversations with an undercover police officer posing as the girl's father.

Welch, using the aliases "Portsmouthmeet" and "Portsmouthnoman", expressed his intention to meet the girl, who he believed to be 11 years old. He discussed his desire to "touch her," requested a picture of her in her school uniform, and even stated he would have sex with her if she was willing.

On May 12, Welch drove from Portsmouth to Southampton to meet the "father and daughter" at a McDonald's. However, upon arrival, he was apprehended by police officers who had been monitoring the situation.

A search of Welch's vehicle revealed three condoms, flavored lubricant, and a Viagra tablet. When questioned, Welch admitted he knew it was a trap but claimed he was "curious." He maintained that he genuinely wanted to be with the girl.

A subsequent search of Welch's home uncovered a pink Hello Kitty top and a packet of lubricant. Welch initially pleaded not guilty, claiming he didn't intend to engage in any sexual activity, but later changed his plea to guilty.

During sentencing, the judge, Recorder Don Tait, stated that Welch remains a high risk to children and expressed concern over his continued denial of his actions. The court heard Welch has three previous convictions for six offenses and was previously arrested on suspicion of sexual offenses, though he was never charged.

In addition to his prison sentence, Welch was made subject to notification requirements for the next 10 years and a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely. All items seized by police during the arrest are set to be forfeited and destroyed.