#JAILED | A man has been jailed for 16 years after encouraging a child to send him indecent images of herself and her cousin. It was reported Lloyd Sweeting, 34 years, from Speke contacted a 10-year-old child online and encouraged her to take indecent photographs of herself and her cousin, also a child. The owner of the account was identified as Sweeting and he was arrested on 18 April 2024 and devices seized for examination. Following extensive enquires and the examination of his devices and interactions with the victim, he was charged and ultimately convicted of the following offences: •Four counts of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity •One count of possession of extreme pornographic images •Two counts of possession of indecent photographs Sweeting appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said 🗣️“The victim in this case, who lives in the UK, sent images to Sweeting out of fear of the repercussions if she didn’t. “She has been left traumatised by Sweeting’s appalling actions and the psychological impact of what he subjected her to will be long-lasting. “Sweeting poses a clear danger to children, amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time in prison. “I hope he spends that time considering the full impact of his actions and the ordeal he has put his victims through.” Det Supt Russell added: "While we would always encourage parents and guardians to be aware of their children's online activity, young people should be able to use technology without being targeted and exploited by adults seeking to abuse them for their own sexual gratification. “We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit children online and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable young people.”   This conviction comes as Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner continues their ‘Call it what it is’ campaign, which highlights the reality of child sexual exploitation and challenges perpetrators who groom, manipulate and abuse children. The campaign also supports parents, carers and young people to recognise the warning signs of exploitation and seek help. ℹ️ If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services. These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it. If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.