Marcus Harris, 24, of HMP Birmingham, has been jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court after sending vile messages to what he believed was a mother of two young children. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence, namely the rape of a child under 13, and to sending a photograph or film of genitals.
Undercover officer targeted on Snapchat
The court heard Harris added the undercover police officer randomly on Snapchat using the username 'dirtylad21'. The officer was posing as 'Ellie', a mum of two children. During a month-long period, Harris sent disturbing messages relating to children's underwear and the rape of a child, as well as a video of himself masturbating.
When asked what age was best, Harris responded "0+ with an emoji, depicting sexual interest in children of newly born age and above." The messages were sent over just nine days during the month-long period, according to his defence barrister.
Court hears of 'fixation' and mental health issues
His defence barrister said Harris was "ashamed" and had mental health issues, describing him as immature with "deficits in consequential thinking." Judge Drew said: "It is clear to me that you became fixated on communications with someone you believed to be the mother of two young children."
The judge added that Harris's offending "must be regarded as extremely serious." The 24-year-old was seen wiping tears on his sleeve as he was sentenced on Thursday, September 3.
Sentence handed down at Birmingham Crown Court
Harris pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to six years in prison. The case highlights the work of undercover police officers in identifying and prosecuting individuals who seek to commit child sex offences online.
The sentence was handed down at Birmingham Crown Court, where the judge emphasised the seriousness of the offending. Harris remains in custody at HMP Birmingham.
