Cleaning company manager Micheal Harris from Bitterne Park in Southampton has escaped an immediate prison sentence after sexually communicating with a child.

The court heard that the communications took place between June 16, 2018, and August 4, 2018, at the hearing at Southampton Crown Court.

Harris was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for a period of 24 months. He must also comply with the following requirements:

• Register under S.92 Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of 7 years.
• Participate in the HORIZON programme.
• Undertake all rehabilitation activity requirements as described by an authorized provider of probation for 10 days.

Harris was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years.

The court ordered Harris to pay a surcharge of £115 to fund victim services along with £500 prosecution costs.