A 28-year-old man who lives in Barrow has been sent to prison after being convicted of a string of offences elating to inciting and attempting to incite children to engage in sexual activity.

Razvan Ioan Voda, 28, of Hartington Street in Barrow was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday (5 April) at Preston Crown Court after being found guilty of:

•         Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

•         Arranging/facilitating commission of a child sex offence

•         Attempting sexual communication with a child

•         Inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

•         Causing a child to watch a sexual act

•         Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity

The court heard how Voda used social media and messaging apps including Snapchat to contact underage girls and send them sexual messages, including requests for graphic pictures of themselves.

Detectives investigating Voda found that he would continue messaging the girls, even after being told they were under the age of 16.

On multiple occasions Mr Voda tried to pass himself off as a younger child – telling children he was as young as 13 and 14 years of age.

The offences were committed in 2019 and 2020.

Detective Constable Tom Barrett said: “This protracted investigation revealed a pattern of persistent and often opportunistic offending by the defendant whereby he would contact young girls – attempting to solicit sexual pictures from them.

“On other occasions he attempted to arrange to meet up with underage girls in Barrow.

“The sentencing this week reflects how seriously such actions are taken by the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who came forward and reported Voda’s actions and worked with the police as we worked to gather the evidence which has resulted in Voda being sent to prison.”