Rastrick man sentenced for '˜sexting' teenage girl

A Rastrick man who sent hundreds of sexual messages to an under-age girl via Whatsapp has avoided an immediate jail sentence.
Bradford Crown CourtBradford Crown Court
Bradford Crown Court

Over a six-month period Michael McPhee, 24, sent sexually explicit messages and requests for photos to the teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Prosecutor Geraldine Kelly said the complainant had “laughed off” McPhee’s comments and had ignored his requests.

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“Over a substantial period of time you sent her a series of quite disgusting Whatsapp messages in which you made it plain, notwithstanding your knowledge of her age, you wanted sexual intimacy with her,” Judge Jonathan Rose told McPhee. “It is to the credit of this young girl that she was having none of it.

“Your immaturity and isolation, of which I have heard, do not justify what you have done, but they provide the beginnings of an explanation.”

McPhee, of Bramston Street, admitted causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, but in his police interview he suggested that the messages were all “fantasy”.

McPhee will be subject to supervision for two years and a 50-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

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Judge Rose said McPhee was not going to get away with it because he would receive punishment by way of 240 hours of unpaid community work.

“That will be a constant reminder of just how disgusting your behaviour has been,” the judge added.

McPhee will have to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years and he will also be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.