A Kendal man has been jailed for three years for attempted sexual communication with a child after messaging a decoy online.

Dominic Carr, 30, of Highgate, Kendal was sentenced on Friday, February 28, for attempting to cause/incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempt to sexually communicate with a child and attempt to make an indecent image of a child.

Carr also received a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ewan Breeze from Westmorland CID said: “Carr was aware the ‘child’ he was speaking to was 14 years old when he engaged in conversations of a sexual nature.

“Although the child was a decoy Carr is an obvious risk to young people.

“Our Priority is to protect young people from harm and ensuring children are safe online from predators.

“Let this be a warning to anyone who has, or is considering communicating with children sexually, that we have a dedicated unit and have a range of tactics at our disposal to identify those who pose a risk of sexual harm to children and bring them to justice.

“I would urge people to familiarise themselves what their children are doing online – ask them questions and support them in using the internet safely.

“If you are concerned that a child is being, or is vulnerable to sexual abuse or exploitation, please report this to the constabulary immediately though any of our various reporting channels.”