Nicholas Pharo, a 27-year-old resident of Deer Park Way in West Wickham, has narrowly escaped a prison term despite engaging in sexual communication with a 13-year-old, a court heard.
Pharo had previously been handed a community order for child pornography offences in April 2019 and was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), prohibiting him from contacting children online. However, less than a year later, Pharo violated these orders by sending sexual messages to a minor.
Appearing at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday (April 10, 2024), Pharo faced sentencing after admitting to the charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child and breaching his SHPO.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Bill McGivern detailed Pharo’s actions, revealing that he discussed his sexual fantasies with the minor and even suggested purchasing a sex toy for them. Despite his admission to the offences, Pharo initially denied the allegations when arrested.
Pharo’s defence attorney, Janice Brennan, highlighted her client’s struggles with autism, emphasizing his difficulties in forming relationships and his lack of understanding and empathy. She argued that while there was a significant age difference between Pharo and the minor, there was little disparity in maturity levels.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Michael Evans KC acknowledged Pharo’s mental health challenges as a contributing factor to his offending behaviour. While Pharo was handed a 20-month custodial sentence, Judge Evans decided to suspend it for two years, citing the possibility of rehabilitation and his assessment that Pharo does not pose a danger to society.
However, Judge Evans issued a stern warning to Pharo, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the consequences of any future transgressions. He cautioned Pharo that any further appearances in court for similar offences would result in immediate imprisonment.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding individuals with mental health conditions who engage in criminal behaviour and raises questions about the adequacy of support and intervention measures in such cases.
