Man with ‘reprehensible intentions’ sent sexually explicit messages to ‘teenager’

A Cambridgeshire man with “reprehensible intentions” sent sexually explicit messages to what he claimed was a 14-year-old girl and suggested meeting her at a hotel. Shaun Lynam began contacting the “teenager” – who was actually an adult – via Facebook in January.

A court concluded that the 55-year-old had sent her “sexualized messages,” which also included an explicit photo of him.

She reported Lynam to the police and he was arrested at his home in Northfields, Lode. He later admitted attempting to entice or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to communicate sexually with a child.

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On Wednesday (3 July) he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court.

DC Bethany Reynolds said: “Lynam was adamant he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl, but he persisted in sending these incredibly explicit messages. His suggestion to meet in a hotel clearly shows his reprehensible intentions.”

“Fortunately, no teenagers were involved in this incident and he has now been brought to justice. We will continue to do everything we can to protect the children of our country and bring those who seek to abuse them to justice.”

For more information and advice on child abuse, including online grooming, visit the police’s dedicated website. Anyone who suspects someone has been convicted of a sex offence and may pose a risk to a child can make a disclosure request through Sarah’s Law.

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