Community service for man who attempted to groom 14-year-old girl

Thursday 21 September 2017

A 19-year-old man who sent indecent images of himself to a girl he believed was 14 on a messaging app has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service by Jersey's Magistrate's Court.

Alecsandru-Moise Buta was caught after an adult took over the conversation and posed as the young girl.

Legal adviser Carla Carvalho told the Court that Buta first talked to the girl on 29 March via a messaging app that allows users to remain anonymous after she initiated the conversation.

The Court heard that he stated he was 19 and she told him she was "only nearly 15."  He then asked her explicit questions and repeatedly asked for photos of her. At one point, he instructed her to go to the bathroom to take pictures of her chest and sent her indecent images of himself.

He then made arrangements with the girl to meet at the Waterfront, telling her, "I'm so glad you are real and I can meet you even if you are only 15." He later added he would be in big trouble if he touched her and someone heard about it, but nevertheless asked the girl what she wanted to do "except kisses." 

What Buta didn't know is that an adult had taken over the conversation and pretended to be the 14-year-old. This person then made a complaint to the police and showed them the conversation. 

His advocate, James Bell, said that the offence was therefore not "fully completed" adding that Buta accepted that by continuing the conversation he had made a very serious error of judgment. Advocate Bell insisted that Buta was of a young age and had a positive good character, given the absence of previous convictions and the fact he had excellent work references. 

Handing down his sentence, Relief Magistrate David Le Cornu said: "In the circumstances no child was put at risk or was ever going to be assaulted but an attempt to sexually groom a child is an extremely serious offence that will normally attract a custodial sentence."

However, he chose to opt for 180 hours of community service, equivalent to 12 months in Youth Custody, given the fact that Buta was a young offender who had expressed remorse for his actions. He also handed out a three-year restraining order and added Buta's name to the Sex Offenders Register for the next three years.  

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “Buta groomed his intended child victim with the intention of meeting and sexually abusing her. He was fully aware of her supposed age but continued with his despicable behaviour regardless – unaware that an adult had taken over the conversation. This kind of predatory offending ruins childhoods, with the devastating effects lasting into adulthood.

"Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call Childline on 0800 1111.