Felixstowe man, 25, sent ‘sexual imagery’ to girl 14, court told

Adam Bothwell, of Glenfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to the offence - which took place between September 23 and October 3 last year - when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Ian Allen said Bothwell had contacted the girl over the internet.

He communicated with her through social media, including Facebook and Snapchat.

Mr Allen said during conversations with Bothwell the teenager had made it plain she was 14 years old.

Of the offence Mr Allen commented: “It’s sexual imagery and incitement to engage in sexual activity. That’s the worst feature of the circumstances here.

“This child was clearly of an age when sexuality is awakened and was not mentally and psychologically able to deal with sorts of advances made to her, and she was frightened.”

Bothwell’s offence was discovered when she eventually confided in a school friend about what had gone on. The friend told a teacher.

The court was told when police interviewed Bothwell he initially suggested he did not know the girl’s age, but he did eventually accept he had engaged in conversation and sent her explicit sexual imagery.

Shelley Drew, representing, Bothwell, said her client made a brief attempt, perhaps in panic, to say he was not aware of how old the girl was, but very quickly conceded he did when challenged about it.

Mrs Drew added: “This is a young man of previous good character. He’s a working man. He’s deeply ashamed by his actions.”

The court was told Bothwell felt the girl showed a bit of interest in him and he pursued it inappropriately.

Bothwell was said to be “saddened at the very least to be before the court”.

Mrs Drew said: “He does wish me to stress this is entirely out of character.”

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Bothwell was released on conditional bail until October 4.

Before leaving court he was reminded he was subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act.