A man who asked to take the virginity of a 13-year-old girl from Bristol was in for a big surprise. It turned out Nathan Bowcott was chatting online to an undercover cop. Bowcott was using social media platforms Kick and Instagram when he established contact with "Holly", Bristol Crown Court heard.
The court was told he gave his real age and conversation became sexual, with a suggestion they go skinny dipping in the sea and then have intimacy. The 35-year-old, of North Petherton, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Judge Michael Longman handed him six months' jail suspended for two years. The judge told him: "It was an attempt, but nonetheless the offence is a serious one."
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Bowcott was handed a sex offender treatment programme, rehabilitation and a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was also told to register his whereabouts to police for seven years and his mobile phone was forfeited.
Neil Treharne, prosecuting, said Bowcott and 'Holly' swapped photos of each other and he asked her if she would like to meet. Mr Treharne said: "He suggested they go skinny dipping in the sea. He suggested meeting her at school and suggested she finish school early."
The court heard Bowcott went on to ask 'Holly' if she would like to kiss and asked if he could take her virginity. Mr Treharne told the court: "He asked her if she wanted sex and said he would be gentle and use condoms."
Bowcott also asked 'Holly' for photos of her bottom and asked her if she would like to see and touch a man's private parts. He made admissions to police who knocked on his door, telling them: "I've been stupid online."
Will Rose, defending, said: "He doesn't seek to excuse his behaviour. Quite clearly his behaviour is appalling and he doesn't shy away from that fact."
Mr Rose said the offending followed a relationship split when his client was going through a difficult time. A probation report concluded he represented a low risk of reoffending.
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