Sex offender who planned to meet girl he contacted via Facebook jailed for four years

A sex offender who planned to meet a teenage girl he contacted via Facebook has been jailed for four years

Jeffrey Lewis, 55, formerly of All Saints Close, Swanscombe, was arrested after police were informed by a third party that he had travelled to meet a 15-year-old at London Bridge railway station.

He pleaded guilty to arranging the commission of a child sex offence and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Lewis will also be on licence for an additional five years and must sign the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Paul Newton said: "The sentence imposed on Jeffrey Lewis demonstrates how seriously the police and judicial system take child sex offences.

"It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness among children and adults about the dangers of online grooming and how to spot it happening.

"We all have a duty of care to protect young people from harm and I would encourage parents and other people who care for the wellbeing of children to educate themselves about internet safety and online child sexual exploitation."