Send us your pictures, video, news and views by texting NORTHERN ECHO to 80360 or email us
Covering Hurworth, Middleton St George, Croft, Sadberge, Bishopton, High Coniscliffe, Piercebridge, Heighington and Neasham and other surrounding villages
9:09am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in
AN internet pervert is facing a possible prison sentence for sending vulgar messages to girls encouraging them to touch themselves.
Last night, the mother of one of 64-year-old David Cuthbert’s victims called on parents to be vigilant about their children’s online activities.
The shocked mother said: “I was suspicious because she would close her lap-top whenever I entered the room – but I didn’t expect it was this.
“When I got a friend to log on and look at what she had been doing, I was disgusted to read his messages. They were sickening, atrocious.”
The mother, from the east Midlands, contacted her local police, and Cuthbert was traced to his home in Darlington through his computer.
Cuthbert admitted two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.
During yesterday’s hearing, it also emerged that the parents of a girl in Scotland have also made a complaint which is being investigated.
Cuthbert’s barrister, Dan Cordey, told the court that he made admissions in interview, and the charge or charges are likely to be accepted.
“Clearly, I cannot say for certain, but it is likely on the day of sentencing there will be a schedule of at least one other offence,”
he said.
“In this particular case, the charge is causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was on one end of a keyboard, and she the other.
“He sent her sexually explicit instructions. There was no contact between them, save for over the internet, and this took place on two occasions.”
Cuthbert, of Lytham Road, Darlington, was released on bail until he is sentenced following the preparation of reports next month.
Judge George Moorhouse told the grey-haired pervert: “The mere fact that I am asking for a report must not give you any false hope.”
The mother from the Midlands said Cuthbert had also tried to encourage her 14-year-old daughter, who has special needs, to go on a web camera.
She said she has been told by police that expert analysis of her computer shows the teenager did not agree to the online request in early 2008.
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Search for jobs in Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough...
Search Now »
Search dating in Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough...
Search Now »
Search for houses in Darlington, Durham...
Search Now »
Search for cars in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and more
Search Now »