Convicted Sex Offender Jailed for Online Grooming

A convicted sex offender who pretended to be a teenager and sent sexually explicit messages to children on social media has been jailed.

Tom Brown, 34, created two accounts on Snapchat, including one he used to pose as his "older brother" and messaged what he thought were girls aged 12 and 13. However, he was actually speaking to undercover police officers.

Brown committed these offenses while subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from using any messaging service to contact anyone under the age of 16.

In June 2023, Brown set up a Snapchat account and began messaging an account he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. He claimed to be a 14-year-old boy from Sheffield and asked the girl if she would travel to meet him and his "older brother" for sexual activity.

On the same date, Brown also started messaging another account, which he believed belonged to a 12-year-old girl. He initially claimed to be a 14-year-old from Sheffield but later claimed to be a 12-year-old from Derby. Brown continued messaging this account for several days, asking the girl to send pictures of herself. He also sent pictures and videos to her showing him performing a sex act.

Investigations found the Snapchat account was being accessed via an IP address linked to Brown's home in Lower Grove Road, Chesterfield. He was arrested on June 19, 2023, and subsequently charged with:

• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Brown admitted the charges and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing on January 8, 2024, where he was jailed for three years and eight months with an extended licence period of three years. He must also sign the sex offender's register and was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.