A repeat sex offender who sent sexual messages to a 13-year-old has avoided a stay in prison. 

Nicholas Pharo, 27, of Deer Park Way in West Wickham, was previously given a community order for child pornography offences in April 2019. 

He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) banning him from contacting children over the internet. 

But less than a year later Pharo began sending sexual messages to a 13-year-old online. 

On Wednesday (April 10, 2024) Pharo appeared at Croydon Crown Court for sentencing after he admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child and breaching his SHPO. 

Prosecutor Bill McGivern told the court that Pharo was 23 when the offences took place. 

He discussed his sexual fantasies with the child as well as suggesting buying them a sex toy, the court heard. 

When he was arrested he denied the allegations. 

In April 2019 he had been made the subject of a seven year SHPO after he was convicted of child pornography offences at Woolwich Crown Court. 

Janice Brennan, defending Pharo, said her client has autism and struggles to form relationships. 

While he is not unintelligent he has a lack of understanding and empathy, she said. 

“The age difference was a chronological age difference, but in terms of maturity there is no difference,” Ms Brennan said. 

Judge Michael Evans KC said Pharo’s mental health had played a role in his offending. 

He gave Pharo a 20 month custodial sentence. He decided that it should be suspended for two years, citing the realistic chance of rehabilitation and his finding that Pharo is not dangerous. 

Judge Evans told Pharo: “You do understand how lucky you’ve been. This is the second time you have appeared before the court on serious sexual offences. If you appear in court again you will go to prison.”