A MAN from Conwy who sent explicit images and text messages to an undercover police officer posing as a child has been spared jail.

Andrew Lloyd, 29, of Bryn Felin, was today (September 3) sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year-and-a-half, at Caernarfon Crown Court (sitting at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court).

He had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to cause a child to look at sexual activity.

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Prosecuting, Elen Owen told the court that Lloyd began communicating on Snapchat with the undercover police officer, who presented as a 12-year-old called Maisie, in June 2023.

“Maisie” told Lloyd she was 12 immediately, but he proceeded to send pictures of his genitalia, ask for “naughty pictures” of her, and send sexually explicit text messages to her during a three-week period.

Officers then attended his home to execute a warrant, and Lloyd was subsequently arrested.

When interviewed, he said he could not specifically remember any conversations with “Maisie”, and had spoken to several people on Snapchat.

Defending Lloyd, who had no previous convictions, Richard Edwards said he is a “young man who the probation service can work with”, and who feels “shame” for his behaviour.

“He has a good awareness of how inappropriate his behaviour was,” Mr Edwards said.

Lloyd, who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette’s syndrome, has not re-offended since this incident, and has worked as a gardener and a waiter.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Lloyd: “Fortunately, there was no actual 12-year-old girl at the other end of the conversation.

“No actual harm was caused, but it could well have been.

“I think there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation… the risk you pose at the moment is low, and can be reduced further.”

Lloyd will also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, 45 days of rehabilitation activity, and a 45-session programme.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and sex offenders register notification requirements, each for a period of 10 years.

A deprivation order was made in respect of Lloyd’s mobile phone, while he will also pay a statutory surcharge.