'Dangerous predator' caught out after sending naked photos to teenage girl decoy online

A convicted sex offender was caught out after messaging what he believed to be a teenage girl online. 'Dangerous predator' Daniel Stout began messaging who he thought was a 14-year-old girl on an online chat app, sending her nude photos and asking for the same in return.

However, the girl he was speaking to was actually a decoy from an online child abuse activist group. Having arranged to meet the ‘girl’ in his home town of Buxton, in Derbyshire, Stout was arrested.

The 28-year-old, who has a previous conviction for a similar offence, was the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at the time of the offence which banned him from having contact with any girl under the age of 16.

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Stout, of Fairfield Road, was subsequently charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He admitted the offences and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on October 22, where he was jailed for two and half years.

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.

PC Jodie Norris, of Derbyshire Police, who led the investigation, said: “The fact that Stout committed this offence while under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order shows what a dangerous predator he is with no regard for the law.

“Thankfully in this case, the ‘girl’ he was messaging was an adult so a child has not been caused mental or emotional harm because of Stout’s depraved urges.

“I sincerely hope that this time behind bars will now give him the opportunity to reflect on his behaviour and realise the error of his ways.”