Man jailed for sexual communication with a child

A 40-year-old man formerly from Stanningfield has been jailed for sexual communication with a child.

Henry Hart denied two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a girl aged under 16, and one charge of inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity by penetration but was found guilty of all counts by a jury, following a six-day trial.

Hart appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday 23 April where he was sentenced to five years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

He was also made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), handed an indefinite restraining order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

It was heard in court that Hart was known to the victim, who was 13 years’ old at the time, and that he used the social media platform Snapchat to send her messages of a sexual nature.

The matter came to light after a friend reported concerns for the victim to their family, who then informed police.

Detective Sergeant Scott Swallow, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: “Hart is a predatory individual who groomed a young girl for his own sexual gratification.

“He denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he believed she was aged over 16, but provided no defence as to why he believed this other than that she looked and acted older; thereby forcing the victim to relive her experiences in court.

“The impact his actions have had on her and her family has been profound. I hope that in time they are able to move forward, knowing that Hart is in prison.

“We take reports of online offending very seriously and are committed to bringing to justice those who engage in these crimes.”

For advice around staying safe online, please visit Online child abuse | Suffolk Constabulary