A 58-YEAR-old who engaged in sexually explicit conversations with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl before trying to meet her has been jailed. 

Iain Miller, between November 15 and 23, 2023, engaged in chats online with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The chats were sexually explicit in nature.

Miller was in fact talking to a police officer. 

He then arranged to meet the girl in Andover, at which point he was met by police officers and arrested. Miller was charged with the offences on November 24. 

In January, Miller, of The Green, Whitchurch, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two counts of attempting to cause/incite a child in sexual activity and attempting to meet a child following grooming.

On Wednesday, February 14, at Winchester Crown Court, Miller was jailed for three years. 

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Andover Advertiser: Iain Miller

His sentence follows an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Detective Inspector Kay Hutchings, of SEROCU, said: “This investigation shows exactly what happens when people try to groom children online, and it should serve as a warning.

“If you engage in this sort of behaviour, there is a very strong chance that the person you are talking to is in fact a police officer, which will mean you are quickly arrested.

“This will have a devastating impact on your family, career, friendships and reputation. You will face court hearings and are likely to serve time in prison.

“I hope that Iain Miller’s case shows that this sort of offending will not be tolerated, and that our officers will take action to stop those who look to exploit children online.”