Devizes Man Jailed for Sending Sexual Messages to ‘12-Year-Old’ Online
Alan Wiltshire, 65, from Devizes, has been locked up for 28 months after pleading guilty to illegal online chats with a minor. Winchester Crown Court handed down the sentence on Friday, 26 July 2024.
Multiple Child Sex Offence Charges
Wiltshire was charged with trying to engage in sexual communications with a child, attempting to incite a child to sexual activity, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The offences came after he messaged someone he believed was a 12-year-old girl via social media.
This isn’t Wiltshire’s first brush with the law. He previously admitted to making indecent images of children and received a suspended jail term, along with placement on the Sex Offenders Register and a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Sentence Breakdown and New Restrictions
- 14 months for inciting sexual activity
- 12 months for breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- 2 months for violating his suspended sentence order
- 7 months for sending sexual messages, to run concurrently
Wiltshire was also slapped with a new 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Police Warn & Offer Support
“Wiltshire was given the chance to reform but his offences escalated, showing he cannot or will not control himself,” said Detective Constable Sarah Greenman, who led the case.
DC Greenman urged anyone struggling with inappropriate feelings towards children to seek help. She pointed to organisations like StopitNow, StopSo, and the Lucy Faithful Foundation that offer confidential support.
Wiltshire Police used this case to remind locals to spot grooming signs and report suspicious behaviour. More info and support resources are available on the Wiltshire Police website.
