A County Durham Paedophile, Lee Mouland, who attempted to groom a fictitious 14-year-old girl and transmitted an abhorrent explicit video of himself was apprehended by a paedophile hunters organisation.
Audacious and depraved Lee Mouland remained “undeterred” when the decoy girl informed him that she was merely 14 years old.
The defendant informed her that she was “attractive” and expressed a want to “kiss and cuddle” her, despite their lack of prior acquaintance, as shown in Hull Crown Court.
Lee Mouland urged her to engage in sexual practices and stated, “You may find it pleasurable.” You will come to appreciate it, believe me.
Lee Mouland, 32, confessed to attempting to initiate sexual communication with a minor, attempting to induce a minor to view a pornographic movie, and attempting to compel a minor to participate in sexual behaviour in Goole.
Amber Hobson, the prosecutor, stated that a paedophile hunter organisation established a decoy account under the name of a teenage girl.
Lee Mouland communicated with the fictitious female from November 26 to December 6, 2020, and the interaction transitioned to WhatsApp at his behest due to discussions regarding photographs.
Telephone information was supplied. The fraudulent girl informed Lee Mouland that she was 14, although he remained “undeterred” by this revelation.
Miss Hobson stated, “The dialogue rapidly advanced to the defendant expressing a desire to kiss and cuddle the child.”
Lee Mouland informed the decoy girl that she was “attractive” and expressed a desire to fly to Scotland to meet her.
He transmitted a video to her depicting himself engaging in a sexual act and urged her to participate as well.
He advised her, “You ought to attempt it.” It may be enjoyable for you. You will come to appreciate it, trust me.
“Attempt it this evening.” You will be astonished by how pleasant it is.
Lee Mouland was subsequently apprehended.
Miss Hobson stated, “This defendant unequivocally exhibited grooming behaviour in messages.”
“A notable age disparity exists here.”
Richard Butters, in mitigation, stated that Lee Mouland had prior convictions, but none of this nature.
He collaborated with law enforcement immediately upon his arrest.
Mr. Butters stated, “There is no indication that he intended to meet.”
“It was merely verbal.” He harbours disdain for his own conduct. He explicitly informed the cops that he was aware of her age.
He sought to diminish her defences to encourage her further conversation with him. He has articulated his regret.
His predicament is beyond incomprehensible. It is completely inconsistent with their character.
Father of two paedophile Lee Mouland was “entirely isolated” following his father’s demise and was in a profoundly detrimental relationship that caused him significant distress.
Mr. Butters stated, “During this period, he was experiencing the most distressing phase of his personal life.”
“He was consuming excessive amounts of cannabis.” He was experiencing a difficult period overall.
Lee Mouland admitted, “I am quite repulsed by my actions.”
His current girlfriend was significantly pregnant and expected to deliver next week.
“He is terrified of an imminent custodial sentence,” stated Mr. Butters.
Judge John Thackray QC stated to Mouland: “There was no victim as the child was nonexistent, but you were unaware of that.”
You believed you were chatting and transmitting a video of yourself to a 14-year-old girl.
The offences are evidently grave. You were evidently somewhat older, in your thirties.
“You acknowledge employing grooming techniques.” The gravest transgression is your dissemination of the video.
“The offences are of such severity that only an immediate custodial sentence is warranted.”
Lee Mouland, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, received an eight-month prison sentence.
He received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and is required to register as a sex offender for a duration of 10 years.
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