A Craigavon man today pleaded guilty to attempted intimidation following previous pleas relating to child sex images.
Joshua Boyle, 21, from Carnreagh, had previously pled guilty to possessing, distributing and making indecent Images of children and attempted sexual communication with a child relating to the same investigation, on May 9.
Detective Inspector Richard Vasey from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Child Internet Protection Team said: “Joshua Boyle pled guilty to offences relating to engaging in sexual communication with a 15-year-old boy online.
“He coerced the child to share indecent images, then threatened to share the conversations and images online. No child should ever be subjected to abuse or tormented in this way.
“Offenders like Boyle often think they are untouchable because their crimes are carried out behind a screen. This is not the case.
“If a person is downloading, viewing or making indecent images of children, you are leaving a digital footprint and we are actively looking for you.”
Detective Inspector Richard Vasey continued by asking parents: “Do you know who your child is talking to online? We have a dedicated team of detectives who are determined to bring perpetrators of these crimes before the courts and ultimately protect further vulnerable young people from unimaginable suffering.
“Children now have access to numerous digital devices at home, meaning they are at greater risk to be targeted by online predators. We want to help parents/guardians understand the dangers online and encourage them to have conversations with their children.
“We would appeal to any parents or guardians concerned about a child in their care, to contact police on 101, or in an emergency always dial 999.”
For more information on keeping children safe online: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/internet-safety/keeping-children-safe-online
