Bexley man admits sending sexual messages to child
Thomas Smith pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates' Court and has been remanded in custody.
Incident → evidence → outcomeThomas Smith, of Oakhurst Avenue, Bexleyheath, pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He also admitted two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The 30-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after he refused to provide police with his phone's PIN. Officers later gained access to the device and discovered that the previous month, Smith had attempted to send sexual messages to a 12-year-old. This is not the first time Smith has faced similar charges. In March 2024, he received a two-year prison sentence for sending sexual messages to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and arranging to meet them. That offence led to his arrest by paedophile hunters who live-streamed the encounter on Facebook.
Following his guilty pleas at Bexley Magistrates’ Court, Smith has been remanded in custody. His sentencing will take place at Woolwich Crown Court at a future date.
Questions this report answers
01What did Thomas Smith admit to?
Thomas Smith admitted attempting to send sexual messages to a 12-year-old child. He also pleaded guilty to two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
02Why was Thomas Smith arrested?
Smith was arrested after he refused to provide police with his phone's PIN. Officers later accessed his phone and found the messages.
03What happens next for Thomas Smith?
Thomas Smith has been remanded in custody. He will be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on a date yet to be confirmed.
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