Man jailed for attempt to arrange for baby to be abused

A man has been jailed today for trying to arrange for a baby to be brought to his home to be sexually abused.

Thomas Harrison, 30, of Streatham Avenue, Mossley Hill sent messages in a bid to arrange for a man to bring a child to his house on 27 July this year.

Harrison had expected them to attend his house on that date, but was instead met by officers from Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) who had been investigating him. He was arrested and later charged with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence.

No child was ever taken to the house or harmed.

Harrison was today sentenced to two years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court and has also been issued with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and he must sign onto the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Craig Doyle said: "Harrison has shown by his actions that he clearly poses a danger to children, and I am very pleased to say he is safely behind bars today.

“He will now spend time behind bars where he can no longer pose a risk, and I hope he uses that time to reflect on the seriousness of his offence and the impact it could have had on a victim, their family and the wider community.

“Harrison was caught thanks to the dedicated work of officers from Merseyside Police and NWROCU, and their proactive work has helped stop him before he could carry out his despicable intentions.

“Those officers will continue to work to protect our young people from the very serious harm threatened by sex offenders, bringing them to justice and preventing them from offending.”

DC Doyle added:  “If you suspect someone you know has committed a sexual offence or is attempting to, or you yourself have suffered a sexual offence and can find the courage to come forward, we will take your report extremely seriously and investigate it thoroughly.

“Merseyside Police has specially trained officers ready to treat you with care and respect and ensure you are properly supported.”

If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, you can contact the Unity team on 0151 777 1382 or call officers on 101. You can also contact DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.