Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Communication with a Child
In a recent case that highlights the ongoing dangers of online child exploitation, a 34 year old man, Phillip Trevor Cornock, formerly of Denzil Avenue in Southampton, has been sentenced to more than a year in prison. Cornock pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to communicate with a child under 16 for sexual gratification.
The sentencing took place at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, 31 August, following Cornock’s guilty plea earlier this year. The court heard that Cornock had engaged in explicit and highly sexual conversations with a person he believed to be a 14 year old boy between August and October 2022. Disturbingly, he had also made arrangements to meet the child in Southampton, although the victim in this case was not real.
Cornock’s actions came under the scrutiny of the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent court appearance. On Wednesday, 02 August, he admitted to one count of attempting to communicate with a child under 16 for sexual gratification.
As a result of his conviction, Phillip Trevor Cornock has been sentenced to 14 months in prison. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders’ register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a period of ten years.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary emphasised the importance of parental vigilance in an age where young people have easy access to the internet and mobile phones. They urged parents to educate their children about online safety and be aware of the dangers of the digital world.
A spokesperson for the constabulary stated, “We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will always seek to bring those responsible for committing these offences to justice.”
The public are encouraged to report any suspicions of child sexual exploitation to the police, and those who may have been victims were urged to come forward, assuring them that they would be taken seriously and supported.
For those concerned about a child’s online behaviour or safety, trained professionals are available to provide support. It’s crucial to remind children that not everyone online may be who they claim to be, and reviewing the apps and privacy settings on their devices is a valuable precaution.
In cases of immediate danger, the public was reminded to contact the police at 999. Additionally, organisations like the Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK wide charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse. For anonymous support and advice, use the Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 or visit https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/helpline/ to find out more.
For further information on safeguarding children online, and to be signposted to other organisations who can help, visit the police website here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/online-child-abuse/
This case stands as a poignant reminder that protecting children in the digital age requires vigilance, education, and swift action.
SOnews.uk