A 65-year-old man from Devizes, Alan Wiltshire, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after engaging in illegal communications with a minor. Winchester Crown Court handed down the sentence on Friday, 26 July 2024, following Wiltshire’s guilty plea to several charges related to child sex offences.
Wiltshire was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and breaching his sexual harm prevention order. These charges arose after he sent sexual messages to someone he believed was a 12-year-old girl via a social media platform.
This is not Wiltshire’s first conviction for related offences. He had previously admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children and was sentenced by Salisbury Magistrates on 14 April to 17 weeks of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 5 years. His latest offences violated this suspended sentence.
The breakdown of his current sentencing includes 14 months for inciting sexual activity and an additional 12 months for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, with a further two months for violating his Suspended Sentence Order. Seven months for the sexual messages will run concurrently. Furthermore, Wiltshire was issued a new Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting for 10 years.
Detective Constable Sarah Greenman, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “Wiltshire was given the opportunity to rehabilitate within the community, however, the escalation in his offending has shown that he is either unable, or unwilling to control his behavior.” She emphasized the severity of his actions, especially his interaction with what he believed to be a young girl.
DC Greenman also highlighted that this case should serve as a deterrent and a reminder that support is available for those struggling with inappropriate thoughts towards children. Organizations like StopitNow, StopSo, and the Lucy Faithful Foundation provide confidential, judgment-free support to help prevent such crimes.
The Wiltshire Police have used this case to remind the public about the signs of grooming and the importance of reporting such offences. Further information and resources for support can be found on the Wiltshire Police website under the grooming section.
