Sex offender jailed after arranging to meet 'child'

Bex McCullgh pleaded guilty to three child sex offences

A sex offender has been jailed after arranging to meet up with what they thought was a young boy.

Instead, Bex McCullgh, from Backwell in North Somerset, was met and arrested by officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) after travelling to Bristol in October 2024.

McCullgh pleaded guilty to three child sex offences and was given a sentence of eight years, four to be spent in prison and four on extended licence.

Det Insp David Wells from SWROCU said the sentence "reflects the threat" the defendant posed to children and would help prevent reoffending.

'Be alert to risks'

The 25-year-old was identified following an online investigation by SWROCU officers.

At Bristol Crown Court on Monday, McCullgh pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

McCullgh was also added to the Sex Offender Register and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both indefinitely.

Det Insp Wells explained the unit's Online Investigations Team was part of a national network working to "identify and arrest offenders looking to sexually abuse or exploit children online".

"Outcomes like this show how important that work is, but equally how essential it is for young people and their carers to be alert to the risks," he added.