Man travelled 160 miles to abuse ‘11-year-old’
HE HAD ‘SWEETS AND CONDOMS’ WITH HIM WHEN HE WAS ARRESTED BY POLICE
A MAN from Nottingham who travelled across the country to meet and abuse a child has been jailed.
Daniel Castel-nuovo, of Harrogate Street, Netherfield, was arrested on May 17 in Southampton by specialist police officers after arranging to meet and commit sexual abuse with an 11-year-old child.
After having conversations online with an account he believed belonged to the underage girl, he had travelled from Nottingham but was instead met by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
The 48-year-old was found to have brought sweets, condoms, lubricant, wet wipes and baby oil with him. No real children were involved or harmed in the operation.
He was charged with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence on the same day (May 17).
On Friday, June 24, Castelnuovo pleaded guilty at a hearing at Southampton Crown Court. He was sentenced on the same day to two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment, issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Inspector James Oxley, from SEROCU, said: “Castel-nuovo’s conviction following a proactive SEROCU investigation reflects our continued priority to protect children from sexual exploitation from those who seek to do them harm.
HH Judge Burrell commented on the awful nature of Castelnuovo’s offence and the impact it had on his family, who were present in court.
He will now spend time in prison where he can reflect upon his actions.
“If you or anyone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, please report it to your local police force. We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred. Victims can talk in confidence to experienced Investigators and we can also help with access to a range of other support services.”
If you are concerned about your thoughts or behaviour towards children or those of someone else, please seek help and support via the Stop it Now! confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900.
Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
If offences have been committed, please report this to your local police force by calling the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.