A MAN from Gwynedd who sent a teenage girl “sickening” messages across a seven-month period has been spared jail.
Andrew Logan, 51, of Park Road, Barmouth, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for one year, at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday (June 26).
He had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child.
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Prosecutor Elen Owen said on July 14, 2022, police became aware of “inappropriate contact” between the girl and the defendant.
SMS and WhatsApp messages of a sexual nature were found to have been sent between December 2021 and July 2022.
These included Logan asking her for “dirty” or “naughty” pictures, to “talk dirty” to her, and if she is “a bit of a perv, too”.
Another message from Logan read: “bit wrong of me”.
Logan was arrested on August 31, 2022; he admitted sending inappropriate messages to the girl, and asking her to send pictures of herself, but denied any sexual intent.
In a statement, the girl called Logan’s messages “sickening”.
She added: “Since I came to realise how wrong his messages were, my mental health has gone haywire.
“Because of his actions, I have become really distrusting of people, specifically males.
“It makes me feel shaky just thinking about him.”
Representing Logan, who had no previous convictions, Catherine Elvin said he feels “embarrassment” at his offending.
“Quite clearly, the victim in this case has suffered quite significant psychological distress,” she added.
Ms Elvin asked the court to acknowledge his guilty plea, previous good character, and mental health issues, as well as the delay in bringing the case to a conclusion.
Sentencing, Mr Justice Matthew Nicklin said: “This was a serious but isolated offence, of which there has been no repetition.”
Mr Justice Nicklin told Logan: "Make sure you comply with the terms of the suspended sentence order.
"If you fail to comply, you're likely to be brought back to court, and if you're unable to explain your non-compliance, the likely outcome will be that the suspended sentence will be activated.
"To that extent, the future is in your hands."
Logan will complete 30 days’ rehabilitation activity, a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, and 60 hours of unpaid work.
A sexual harm prevention order, lasting five years, was also issued to him, while Logan must adhere to sex offenders register notification requirements.
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