Jailed – arranging to meet an 11 year old

A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to 4 years and 6 months imprisonment after arranging to commit a child sexual offence against an 11 year old girl.

Gordon Welch, of Sheffield Road, Portsmouth was sentenced on Monday (28 November) at Southampton Crown Court following an investigation by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Welch will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention order, and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing on 31 October to arranging to commit a sexual act upon a child.

The 67 year old was arrested back in May, having travelled from Portsmouth to Southampton expecting to meet an 11 year old girl.

He was met by police officers when he arrived in Shirley, Southampton. He came equipped with condoms, Viagra and flavoured lubricant ready to commit sexual acts with an 11 year old girl.

He was charged with the offence on the same day (12 May).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Colin Haynes, of SEROCU, said: “Child sexual abuse ruins lives. While, thankfully, there were no real children involved in this investigation, Welch demonstrated he had the intention to carry out sexual acts on someone he believed to be a child.

“This case gives an insight in to the vital work officers from SEROCU do, working closely in partnership with police forces in the South East.

“We carry out investigations to safeguard children and to ensure those who pose a real risk, particularly to children, are held to account for their actions. Welch will now have an opportunity to reflect upon his actions in prison.”

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