A man from Cambridge has been sentenced to prison after sending a sexually explicit video to a 13-year-old girl in a 'despicable' act that left his young victim traumatised.
Random Calls and a Swift Response
On October 7, 31-year-old Andrew Murray made an out-of-the-blue phone call to the teenager. It is believed Murray had been dialling phone numbers at random in an attempt to engage strangers in unsolicited sexual conversations.
During the call, the quick-thinking 13-year-old recorded the conversation. The girl, demonstrating what police later praised as 'swift' and 'sensible' actions, immediately informed her mother, who then contacted the authorities.
The Evidence That Led to an Arrest
The recorded call provided Cambridgeshire Police with the crucial evidence needed to arrest Murray. On the recording, Murray could be heard asking the girl her age. Despite learning she was only 13, he proceeded to send her a video of himself performing a sexual act.
This criminal act also meant that Murray, of St Bedes Crescent, Cambridge, was in breach of an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Court Sentencing and Police Reaction
At Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, November 27, Murray admitted to causing a child aged 13 to 15 to view an image of sexual activity. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a SHPO.
He was subsequently jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andy Harding commented on the case, stating: "The fact Murray ascertained the age of the child and continued to send the explicit video of himself, makes his actions all the more despicable."
He added, "This event was traumatising for the teenager. Her swift actions were truly courageous and her calm, sensible reactions meant we could arrest Murray with proof of the encounter."
