Horsham pervert Christopher Fenton spared jail over sex abuse

Christopher Fenton had contacted the 14-year-old online for sexual chat from his home in Horsham.

The chat in 2013 revealed how the now 46-year-old had incited the boy to perform sexual acts.

Fenton, formerly a toy shop worker, was caught out when a separate investigation found that his victim had downloaded indecent images of children.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had devices searched, and it revealed a Skype conversation with Fenton in 2013.

At Lewes Crown Court, Fenton admitted inciting a child under 16 into sexual activity and was given an eight-month suspended sentence.

Lewes Crown Court.

At Lewes Crown Court, Fenton admitted inciting a child under 16 into sexual activity and was given an eight-month suspended sentence.

Edward Hand, prosecuting, said the boy would have been 14 at the time of the online chat.

Mr Hand said: “Some electronic devices were recovered and were examined. Police found Skype chats between this defendant and the then 14-year-old from 2013.

“It was a fairly short conversation, police carried out enquiries and identified an internet address used by the defendant.”

Rupert Hallowes, defending, said Fenton was worried about the impact of the case on his wife who has stood by him.

He said Fenton has since taken steps to seek help for his behaviour, and described Mr Fenton’s wife as a “remarkable woman”.

His Honour Judge Martin Huseyin said: “It is clear you were honest with the probation service about your sexual interest in those underage boys. There is evidence you are actively working on that. There have been no offences since 2013, when this offence took place.

Christopher Fenton appeared in court over online sexual abuse of a teenage boy. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire.

His Honour Judge Martin Huseyin said: “It is clear you were honest with the probation service about your sexual interest in those underage boys. There is evidence you are actively working on that. There have been no offences since 2013, when this offence took place.

“There has been a long delay and this case has been hanging over you for a long time.”

Fenton, of Pondtail Avenue, Faygate, Horsham, was put under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which restricts his access to children, and will be on the sex offenders register.

Both orders will last for ten years.

He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation sessions. He must also pay £300 court costs.