A Moira man has been handed an 18-month sentence for attempted to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
Paul McKay will serve nine months in custody and nine months on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and will be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for seven years.
The 31-year-old, who was also charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, was handed the sentence at Craigavon Crown Court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Richard Vasey said: “McKay, who thought he was sexually communicating with a 12 year old child online, had actually been communicating with an undercover police officer.
“Let this serve as a reminder to those who think they can go undetected in online spaces. We are everywhere. I have a highly dedicated team with specialised equipment who can trace any digital interaction right back to the persons front door.
“We continue to work robustly in this area to identify and bring perpetrators behind a screen, in front of a judge to answer for their crimes.
“If you are concerned that someone you know may be attempting to sexually communicate with a child please contact Police on 101 or 999 in case of emergency.”
Read more: Man (19) charged with blackmail and child sex offences following search in Lurgan
Co Armagh man who groped little boy with child’s mum in next room walks free from court
‘No justice’ for Co. Armagh family as child abuser walks free from court
