Man jailed over sexual messages to child decoy

A 70-year-old man who tried to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed was a 12-year-old boy has been jailed for eight years.

Robin Holmes, from Grimsby, was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court last week after previously pleading guilty to a number of offences, including sexual communication with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Holmes used Snapchat to send sexual messages to the decoy and shared an indecent image, while asking for images in return, Humberside Police said.

His offending came to light just months after his release from prison in December 2025, following a recall for breaching a sexual harm prevention order for previous sexual offences, the force added.

Officers launched an investigation after receiving a referral about Holmes' contact with a police decoy in April. Several mobile phones were seized when he was arrested at his home.

Det Con Amy Gee, who led the investigation, said: "Holmes is a sickening individual, and I am pleased he is now behind bars and unable to continue targeting vulnerable people.

"Although this case involved a decoy child, I hope the sentence sends a clear message that attempting to exploit vulnerable people is never acceptable."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices