A PLYMOUTH man tracked down by a group of ‘paedophile hunters’ has been handed a suspended sentence, after admitting sending perverse messages to a person he thought was an underage girl but was actually a decoy adult woman who was part of a group who set up sting operations to track and catch offenders.
Darren Langford pleaded guilty at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court to intentionally attempting to communicate with a girl aged under 16 with the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.
Appearing at Plymouth Crown Court, a prosecutor explained that Langford, of Keyes Close, Devonport, used the name Chris as a fake persona because he did not want people to know it was him sending the messages.
The court was told that 53-year-old Langford started the conversation with the ‘girl’ online on April 6, 2022, saying “nice picture Princess” and adding “certainly wish I was younger”. The “girl” claimed she was 14 and lived in Durham, but, despite being told the age of the person he was communicating with, Langford continued to send hundreds of messages to “Megan”.
This story is from the September 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SZUCS PRAISED
THE HUNGARIAN HAS BECOME A FIRST TEAM REGULAR
Albion aim to recover from loss at Rotherham
PLYMOUTH Albion are aiming to recover from a gut-wrenching defeat to Rotherham, where they were narrowly beaten in the final moments of the game.
Argyle linked with move for Swedish midfielder
PLYMOUTH Argyle are considering making a bid for 23-year-old Swedish midfielder Fredrik Hammar in the January transfer window, according to a report in the Scandinavian media.
£15m 'wasted' on migrant camp site
THE Home Office spent £15m buying a derelict prison contaminated with asbestos amid political pressure to stop housing migrants in hotels, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
Safety pledge for Brits going overseas for ops
THE Health Secretary has said he will work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
McCall reveals tumour diagnosis
CELEBRITIES have flocked to wish Davina McCall well after she revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, with fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden sending \"so much love\".
Experts: Climate talks 'no longer fit for purpose'
THE process of UN climate negotiations is no longer fit for purpose and requires a comprehensive overhaul, leading experts have warned.
Uber and rival bid to run in city
LICENSING COMMITTEE WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO ALLOW
24-hour gym to open at Barcode?
PLANNING PERMISSION HAS BEEN SOUGHT
Barbican eatery best in the South West at awards
A PLYMOUTH restaurant has been selected as the 'Best South West Restaurant' at the Taste of the West awards. Owners of 'The Fig Tree @ 36' are over the moon to have scooped the prestigious award.
