Dean Bird, a former soldier and Swindon paedophile, transmitted a nude photograph of himself to a teenage girl and solicited a similar image from her.
Dean Bird, aged 40, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual correspondence with a minor and was sentenced today at Swindon Crown Court.
Edward Hetherington, representing the prosecution, stated that the defendant had often liked and commented on the 14-year-old’s pictures on her Instagram account throughout late 2020.
In January 2021, Dean Bird sent the girl a flame emoji – which is accepted as meaning you find someone ‘hot’ (attractive). She alerted a family member to the message and he took over the conversation.
Dean Bird, who lives in Swindon and works as a scaffolder, said he needed a shower after a hard day and spoke about his military service.
During the exchange, the girl’s family member confirmed her age to the man. He proceeded to ask for a photograph, saying that he would not tell anyone about it.
Dean Bird was sent a photograph containing the girl’s face. In response, he sent her a photograph of his legs followed by one of his erect penis. He went on to ask her for a naked photograph.
The family member downloaded a photograph of a naked adult woman from the internet and sent it to the defendant – and he responded “wow” with a smiling face emoji with stars in its eyes.
The family member – who knew Dean Bird through a friend – attended his address, banging on his door and making threats. Police were called to the scene, and were shown evidence of his online behaviour.
The court heard that the former soldier, who was shot in the leg by the Taliban in Afghanistan, has previous convictions for dangerous driving and violence.
Chris Smyth, defending, said his client’s “mind was all over the place” at the time of the offending.
Adding that Dean Bird suffers from mental health issues as a result of his military service. On a mission together, his best friend was shot and killed by the Taliban. On another, he was shot in the leg. He was medically discharged from the army more than ten years ago.
Mr Smyth said the defendant works as a scaffolder for various firms and lives alone in a two-bed rented flat after the recent ending of a ten-year relationship.
He also played rugby for Cheltenham up until 2021, has an interest in fishing and played ice hockey for Swindon Rec Wildcats Ice Hockey Team – where he was, at one point, a captain.
Judge Jason Taylor said he was confident Bird would not re-offend, imposing a two-year community order with the requirement to complete 175 hours of unpaid work.
He must also complete the Horizon sex offenders’ programme and 30 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service.
Dean Bird was made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order with eight terms – one of which prohibits him from communicating with under 18s unless there is a legitimate reason.
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