Guisborough man jailed for sending explicit images to child.

A Guisborough man has been jailed after our specialist child protection detectives successfully achieved an evidence-led prosecution against him.

36-year-old Lewis Hart was sentenced this week to 16 months after admitting he sent explicit images of himself to a 14-year-old child.

He has also been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has notification requirements for 10 years. 

The offences took place last year and Hart was arrested, questioned by CAVA detectives then released on bail so further enquiries could take place. 

Because the child felt unable to provide a statement our officers approached the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for an evidence-led prosecution.

CAVA’s extensive enquiries secured enough information and evidence for the CPS to authorise Hart to be charged with sexual communication with a child.

Following this he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in November last year where he pleaded guilty and he was sentenced on Thursday (2^nd January).

Speaking after sentencing Officer in the case Detective Sergeant Natasha Barber said: “I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Lewis Hart.

“His actions have forever changed the life of this child though I’m glad that at least he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“The victim in this case showed immense strength in reporting this to the police.

“Although this was an evidence-led prosecution meaning the victim was not required to give evidence, denying his actions would have resulted in extending the ordeal the child had already gone through.

“I hope they can now begin to move forward with their life.”

You can report recent or non-recent abuse of any kind, to Cleveland Police on the 101 number at any time of day or night.