Wilson Lee, 35, was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Wednesday 16 September 2026 for attempted child sexual offences uncovered during an online police operation.

Lee received 22 months in custody for attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, alongside a concurrent 18-month term for 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. Both sentences will be served concurrently.

He was also made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Lee was arrested on 29 May 2025 after police identified online communications with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old boy. He was convicted in July 2026 after entering a guilty plea. Detective Constable Allen, from the PSNI's Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: "We welcome today's sentence and the fact that this offender is now behind bars.

"This case demonstrates how offenders can use online platforms to gain a child's trust before quickly steering conversations to a sexual nature to satisfy their own sexual perversions.

"This behaviour is manipulative and predatory, and it will not be tolerated. Protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation remains a top priority for us and we will continue to robustly pursue those who seek to harm children online.

"We continue to urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children's online activity and to encourage open conversations about staying safe online.

"Anyone who believes a child may be at risk should report their concerns to police so we can take action.

"Let this serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse in our communities, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward. You will be caught, your lies uncovered and you will face the full force of the law."