Man jailed for posing as young boy to groom child

A man who posed as a young boy to groom a child has been jailed for four years and 10 months.

Carl Huxley, 38, posed as a young boy on social media in 2023 and arranged to meet his victim in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire after exchanging sexual messages.

Huxley, of Holgate Mount, Ward Green, Barnsley, was found guilty of meeting a child under the age of 16 following sexual grooming and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

He was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday.

Huxley met the victim in Gainsborough before travelling to Lincoln where he bought them gifts throughout the day.

He later booked a double hotel room but was reported to police before the room could be used.

Det Con Jones of Lincolnshire Police, who worked on the case, described Huxley's behaviour as "calculated, intentional and manipulative".

She added: "This is wholly unacceptable and wildly inappropriate, showing a complete disregard for his victim's age and wellbeing, for his own sexual gratification.

"This will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire and this sentence sends a strong message to any would-be criminals that they will be caught and dealt with."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.