Belfast man jailed for attempting to meet child he believed was 14
A 35-year-old Belfast man has been jailed after attempting to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy following online sexual communications.
Wilson Lee, of Moonstone Street in Belfast, was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to a number of attempted sexual offences involving a child.
Concurrent custodial sentences
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said Lee was handed a 22-month custodial sentence for attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
He was also sentenced to 18 months for a number of other offences, including attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted possession of an indecent image.
The sentences will run concurrently.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Lee was made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders register for ten years.
Undercover officer posed as 14-year-old boy
Lee was arrested on 29 May 2025 after police became aware of online communications between him and an undercover police officer who was posing as a 14-year-old boy.
He subsequently entered a guilty plea and was convicted in July this year.
The sentencing took place at Laganside Crown Court in Belfast on Wednesday, 16 September.
Police warn of online grooming risks
Detective Constable Allen, from the PSNI’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, welcomed the sentence and said the case demonstrated how offenders can use online platforms to gain a child’s trust before turning conversations towards sexual activity.
Police described such behaviour as “manipulative and predatory” and said protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation remained a priority.
The PSNI also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about children’s online activity and encouraged families to have open conversations about online safety.
Anyone who believes a child may be at risk has been urged to report their concerns to police.