Shaun Lynam, a 55-year-old man, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Lynam believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl on Facebook, but in reality, the recipient was an adult.

The case unfolded when Lynam initiated contact with the supposed teenager in January. He sent sexually explicit messages, including a revealing photo of himself, and suggested meeting at a hotel in Leeds. Unbeknownst to him, the recipient reported his behaviour to the police.

Detective Constable Bethany Reynolds underscored the severity of Lynam’s actions: “His suggestion of meeting at a hotel clearly shows his deplorable intentions.”