A man originally from Ilkeston has been jailed for eight years after attempting to arrange the sexual abuse of young children.
Richard Stevenson, 39, who now lives on Waveley Road in Coventry, discussed detailed plans to abuse children with someone he met through an online forum.
However, the person with whom Stevenson was communicating was actually an undercover police officer.
West Midlands Police said Stevenson described wanting a “partner” to participate in the abuse and sent the officer videos depicting child sexual abuse.
The subsequent investigation led officers to arrest Stevenson while he was sitting in a van in Coventry on 2 May 2026.
He admitted attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence, as well as making and distributing indecent images of children.
Stevenson was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on Friday, 4 September, to eight years in prison.
He will spend a further two years on licence following his release. An 18-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed, and Stevenson will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable John Marsh, from West Midlands Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Stevenson’s offending is simply appalling.
“He was clearly determined to gain access to a child to commit sexual abuse.
“On multiple occasions, he outlined his horrific plans, and we’re in no doubt that he would have seen those plans through had he had the opportunity.
“We’re absolutely committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people and will use all the techniques and resources we have to do that and target those who seek to do them harm.”
The investigation involved an undercover police officer, and no real child was being offered to Stevenson.
Image: West Midlands Police