Joshua David MacFarlane, described as, a “dangerous predator”, was arrested in January 2024 after Northumbria Police’s POLIT department acted on intelligence.
He was subsequently charged with a series of offences and, appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, in April this year, he pleaded guilty to two counts each of sexual communications with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act, plus six counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act.
MacFarlane also admitted meeting another child following sexual grooming, causing a child to watch a sexual act, sexual activity with a child, paying for sexual services of a child, three counts of distributing indecent images of a child and one count of making indecent photographs of a child.
The 20-year-old defendant of Coquet Avenue, South Shields, was also sentenced for multiple breaches of an interim Sexual Risk Order.
He appeared back before the court on Wednesday, where he received a prison sentence of ten years and four months, with a further four years licence extension on his release.
MacFarlane was made subject of lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Elizabeth Biggins, of Northumbria Police said: “First and foremost, I’d like to praise the victims for their bravery.
“MacFarlane is a dangerous predator who is now facing a long spell behind bars, and this outcome was only made possible by the incredibly bravery of his survivors.
(Image: Northumbria Police) “We would like to take this opportunity to urge all victims of sexual abuse to come forward, no matter how much time has passed.
“Our message to survivors is clear, we are here to support you and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”
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Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, should contact police using the ‘Report’ pages on the Northumbria force website, or by sending a direct message on social media.
For those unable to report via those means, then they should call 101.
In an emergency, or if a crime is ongoing, the advice is to always call 999.
