Paul Halfpenny 36, of no fixed abode has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in jail after being found guilty of two counts of attempting to possess an indecent photograph of a child, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged between 13 and 15, two counts of causing a child aged between 13 and 15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity and one count of sending communications conveying indecent/offensive messaging.
He will also have to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life and be subject to a restraining order for life.
These offences relate to a 15-year-old girl who Halfpenny abused over a time period of two years.
Halfpenny would often touch himself inappropriately whilst in the girl’s presence and would send her inappropriate images and videos of himself over Snapchat.
On a number of occasions Halfpenny attempted to film the girl in a state of undress.
Detective Constable Kayleigh Wiggins, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: “I would like to start by commending the victim’s bravery in coming forward and speaking out about these offences. It is your bravery which has helped us to ensure Halfpenny faces the consequences for his abhorrent behaviour.
“It’s important not to underestimate the seriousness of child sex offences and the lasting impact this type of behaviour can have on victims.
“GMP will always take reports of this nature seriously and would encourage anyone who thinks they may be suffering from this type of abuse to come forward and speak out.”
