A 50-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for two years and nine months for offering drugs and money to a teenage schoolboy in return for sexual activity.

Martin Brett was abusing cocaine and alcohol when he sent a series of messages to the child with the clear intention of abusing him, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Brett, of Rye Street, Keighley, made some attempt to dispose of evidence on his phone when the police were alerted by the concerned mother of another boy.

He made no comment when questioned by the police but went on to plead guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual communication with the same boy.

Prosecutor Jayne Beckett told the court that Brett began messaging the child on Facebook. At first it was just general chat but then the boy began to find some of the messages ‘weird.’ He had told the defendant his age and did not respond when he began asking him questions about his penis.

When the mother of a friend found out what was going on, the police were contacted.

Brett’s barrister, Abigail Langford, said the offences were some time ago and there was a long delay in bringing the case to court.

She said Brett had a degree of understanding and remorse. He had problems with his mental health and had been using alcohol and cocaine at the time.

There was no actual sexual contact with the boy and Brett had no previous convictions for sexual offences.

But Recorder David Gordon said it was clearly Brett’s intention to engage in sexual activity with the boy.

There was grooming behaviour and the offer of cannabis and money. Another aggravating feature was the disparity of age between Brett and the teenager. He had also made some attempt to dispose of evidence on his phone.

Recorder Gordon said the matter was reported to the police by the concerned mother who had heard what was going on. That had put a stop to things.

Although Brett had difficulties with depression and anxiety, the doctor’s report did not state that he was suffering from any psychiatric illness. He had abused cocaine and other substances in the past.

Brett was made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he must sign on the sex offender register, also indefinitely.