A man from Bognor who preyed on young girls online has been sentenced.
Andrew Chambers, 33, of Oakley Road, was given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the offences committed between 2016 and 2020.
Lewes Crown Court heard on December 5 how Chambers used social media in search for his victims.
He tried to convince one girl to come to his house for sex and went on to expose himself to five other girls, sending photos and videos of him inappropriately touching himself.
He would also ask them to take off their clothes and pose for photos for his own gratification.
Chambers, a cleaner, was arrested on January 26, 2018 and was released on strict bail conditions while a complex investigation into the numerous offences was launched and investigators gathered the evidence required to secure a successful prosecution.
Officers seized and examined his devices and found sexually explicit messages and photos sent to his victims on Facebook messenger.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch or look at a sexual image.
Chambers pleaded guilty to all offences on October 17 and at Lewes Crown Court on December 5, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
He was given a 10-year SHPO, significantly reducing his access to children and vulnerable people.
The order also means he will have restricted access to the internet and if he does not inform officers of any change of circumstance, such as new employment, he could be sent to prison.
Chambers was also ordered to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation programmes and pay a victim surcharge.
And he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years, requiring him to notify police of certain personal details and information aimed at reducing his ability to cause harm.
Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating said:
“Andrew Chambers preyed on the vulnerabilities of these young victims for his own sexual gratification.
“This SHPO will allow us to monitor his activity in the community and ensure he is complying with the order.
“I would like to thank each of these six brave girls for reporting the incidents, supporting our investigation and helping to bring Chambers to justice. This result would not have been possible without their bravery and strength.
“If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual offences, please report to police online or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
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