DECOY STING |
Appearing in the dock of Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, 40-year-old Stuart Peter Rawlinson confirmed his identity and that he understood the single charge against him
Stuart Peter Rawlinson
A Co. Antrim man appeared in court today charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.
Appearing in the dock of Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, 40-year-old Stuart Peter Rawlinson confirmed his identity and that he understood the single charge against him.
Rawlinson, from Birch Hill Park in Antrim, is accused of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between 31 March and 24 April this year.
The particulars of the offence disclose an allegation that for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification, Rawlinson “intentionally attempted to communicate with a person under 16 years, the communication being sexual or intended to encourage the said ‘child’ to make a communication that was sexual, and you did not reasonably believe that ‘child’ was 16 years or over.”
Although the alleged facts of the case were not opened, a police officer gave evidence that she believed she could connect Rawlinson to the offence.
It was confirmed to the court however, that “it’s a decoy case,” rather than involving a physical child.
A prosecuting lawyer said that with a “full file” being requested, she was applying for a six-week adjournment.
Defence counsel Grant Powles indicated he had no objections so freeing Rawlinson, District Judge Nigel Broderick adjourned the case to 18 November.
Stuart Peter Rawlinson
News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday October 7