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Man sent explicit images to 'girl, 12' unaware he was speaking to undercover cop

He's now behind bars

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Andrew Marsden(Image: Cheshire Constabulary)

A predator thought he was sending explicit images of himself to a 12-year-old girl - but it turned out he was communicating with an undercover police officer. Now Andrew Marsden, of Minshull New Road, Crewe, has been jailed for eight years and nine months - including an extended sentence period of three years - after he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a girl under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. On 16 March 2026, a covert officer posing as a 12-year-old girl was deployed onto an online chat function linked to a games console.

A conversation started between the pair, with the covert officer clearly stating they were 12 years-old and making multiple references to being in school. Marsden turned the conversation into one of a sexual nature on various occasions, expressing his desire to meet with the girl. He also sent explicit images of himself.

Marsden was identified through his online account and was arrested on 18 March 2026. His devices were also seized which showed he had searched online for trains to get to the girls location. He was later charged with the offences.

PC Alex Barker said: "Even though there was no victim in this case, Marsden did not know that he was in fact talking to an undercover officer and was intent on meeting with a vulnerable child, even sending her pictures of himself. In interview, he denied it was him talking to the girl and spouted lies, stating someone else must have obtained intimate pictures of him and sent the messages.

"As this case demonstrates, we are committed to protecting members of the public from harm and hope the substantial sentence handed to Marsden will provide members of the community with some reassurance."

On top of his custodial sentence, he must sign the sex offender register indefinitely and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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