Sex Offender Jailed for Messaging Teen on Snapchat

A sex offender has been jailed after police discovered he was sending sexual messages to a teenage girl on Snapchat. Kristoffer Cook, 29, was messaging the 15-year-old despite being subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. This order was put in place after he served a prison sentence for attempting to incite a child into sexual activity.

Cook, from Fulwell Road, Peterlee, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday via video link from HMP Durham. He was sentenced for breaching a sexual harm prevention order, failing to comply with notification requirements, and sexual communication with a child. He pleaded guilty to these charges at a previous hearing.

During the sentencing, the prosecution revealed that in January, Cook was assigned a police manager for regular meetings. When asked about his access to the internet, Cook claimed he did not own any devices that could access it. However, this was a lie.

On February 28, police received information that Cook had a Snapchat account. Upon investigation, they found an LG mobile phone at his parents' home. This phone was used to access Snapchat and contained messages with an underage girl.

The prosecution stated that Cook had asked the girl her age, inquired about her bra, and expressed his desire to see her. He also told the girl "I want you."

Cook admitted to purchasing the phone and not disclosing it to the police. The court learned that he had two previous convictions for five offenses. In May 2018, he received a suspended sentence for attempting to incite a child into sexual activity. Then, in July 2020, he was jailed for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

The sexual harm prevention order imposed on Cook lasts until 2028.

The defense argued that Cook has a learning disability and a difficult childhood. They stated that he is apologetic and needs help. While acknowledging that the conversation with the girl could have escalated, they emphasized its limited nature.

Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, deemed the breach "very serious." He highlighted Cook's previous convictions and stated that this wasn't the first time he had engaged in such behavior. Cook was sentenced to 20 months in prison.