A 66-YEAR-OLD man who attempted to entice what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl into performing a sexual act has avoided an immediate jail term.

Stephen John Brent, of Walpole Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty attempting to cause a girl to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity online in March 2020.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday.

Prosecuting, Oliver Capildeo told the court Brent engaged in a conversation online using the username Boz Tard with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

The girl actually turned out to be an adult from a vigilante group.

“Sexual conversation was instigated pretty swiftly,” the prosecutor said. “He asked what colour underwear she was wearing.”

Brent then offered to instruct the girl on how to perform a sexual act, the court heard.

The offending was referred to the South West Predators Exposed group who attended the defendant’s address, he was then arrested.

The defendant, who had no previous convictions, gave “full and frank” admissions to police.

Mitigating, Nick Robinson said: “He was a man of 64, a father to a 30-year-old daughter with a partner of 12 years who is still standing by him.

“He took refuge online and got swept up in online chat rooms. He was escaping a significant period of stress in his life.

“He had an eviction notice, the risk of losing his job, immense amounts of debt and the stress of losing his partner with whom he is incredibly dependant, she had a cancer scare and stopped working.

“Your honour may think the public interest may be served by some form of rehabilitation.”

Mr Robinson added Brent had these proceedings “hanging over him” for two years, fearful police or a vigilante may knock on his door.

Judge William Mousley QC sentenced the 66-year-old to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 20 rehabilitation requirement days and was made subject of a curfew between the hours of 7.30pm and 6.30am.

Judge Mousley QC said: “If you keep out of trouble for the next 12 months and comply with the requirements, the sentence will end.

“If you were to commit another offence, this sentence will be activated.”

Brent was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for the next seven years.