Alexandru Negoescu

Alexandru Negoescu, a 35-year-old man from Warrington, was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court after sending depraved videos to a 15-year-old girl in an attempt to solicit sexual images from her.

The incident came to light earlier this year when the victim's mother routinely checked her daughter's mobile phone and discovered an Instagram message from Negoescu requesting a sexual video. Alarmed but determined to gather evidence, the mother pretended to be her teenage daughter in the conversation. In response, Negoescu sent a video of himself performing a sex act while in the bath, followed by a second similar clip, and continued to demand that she send sexual images in return.

The mother collected the incriminating messages and reported Negoescu to the police, leading to his arrest. During his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Negoescu, who appeared via video-link from HMP Liverpool with the assistance of a Romanian interpreter, claimed he had been set up and that the conversation was fabricated. He denied the charges, but a jury found him guilty of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity.

Prosecutor David Watson outlined the details to the court, highlighting the mother's proactive role in exposing the paedophile's actions. In defence, Peter Killen described Negoescu as a hard-working man who had supported his family, noting that the rest of his life was 'quite different'. However, Judge Louise Brandon rejected his claims of innocence, stating: "At trial, you claimed that you had not engaged in the conversation and had been set up, and the conversation fabricated – an account the jury clearly rejected. You maintain that you did not commit this offence. I therefore cannot conclude that you have any insight or remorse for your behaviour or understanding of the impact your actions could have had."

Negoescu, who had one prior conviction for drink-driving in 2023, was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment to be served immediately. He was also subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and required to sign the sex offenders' register for life. The case was reported by the St Helens Star, based on proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court.