A LORRY driver disclosed sick sexual perversions towards a child through an online messaging app - only to find he was chatting with undercover police officers.

Mark Garbutt, 55, was caught in a sting during exchanges which lasted a month early in 2021.

Carlisle Crown Court heard two undercover officers engaged in conversation with Garbutt, who sent images of a young girl.

“Within the dialogue that passed between you and one of the undercover officers,” said Judge Nicholas Barker, “you disclosed sexual perversions towards the child.

“Both in terms of what you wanted to do, and encouragement to the other person of what that person would do. This is deeply offensive and deeply perverted.”

A warrant was issued and Garbutt made “significant comments” about use of the messaging app when tackled by police.

Nine devices were seized and illegal images of children were found on four of these. There were still images and moving — one being five minutes long.

Prosecutor Beth Pilling said of the tender ages of youngsters which featured: “The youngest I have in the schedule is two to four years of age.”

Garbutt, previously of Railbank Drive, Workington, admitted the possession of four indecent photographs classed in category A — the most serious — 11 in B and 336 in C. He also admitted distributing one category C image.

Some had been on a device since 2005.

Kim Whittlestone gave mitigation for Garbutt, a man of previous good character.

“There are guilty pleas and, unusually, very full and frank admissions,” said Miss Whittlestone, “and explanations as to why he finds himself before the court in a (probation service) pre-sentence report.

“He hasn’t sought in any way to minimise his offending behaviour or the reason for his offending behaviour.”

Garbutt was a father whose marriage had broken down. He had moved away from the area to “assist his family”, had continued to provide financial support and was living in a camper van close to his south of England employer.

Judge Barker accepted Garbutt’s remorse was genuine and noted he had self-referred to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation child protection charity.

The judge suspended a nine-month prison sentence for two years. Garbutt must complete a rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also sign the sex offenders’ register and follow the strict terms of a prevention order, both for 10 years.

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