Child ban for 'cyber sex' teacher

Brewer has been put on the Sex Offenders Register

A 25-year-old trainee teacher who committed an internet sex offence involving a young girl has been banned from working with children.

Edward Brewer, of Warren Road, Guildford, admitted inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The jury at Exeter Crown Court was told Brewer encouraged the 12-year-old girl to perform sex acts in front of a webcam while he did the same thing.

Brewer was also ordered to attend a sex offenders' programme.

He will have to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

It is the best way to protect the public in this case Judge Jeremy Griggs

The court head Exeter University physics graduate Brewer was in training to be a teacher when he started messaging the girl through an internet chat room.

The churchgoer exchanged increasingly explicit messages with the girl, who told him she was 13.

They never met, but their online relationship became increasingly sexual with him telling her what acts he wanted to see on her webcam.

Police were called in after the girl's mother saw some of Brewer's sexual messages on the computer.

Explicit photographs

Experts found 4,000 different chat logs on Brewer's computer at his digs in Exeter, the city's crown court was told.

Mr Chris Bennett, prosecuting, said Brewer admitted contacting other teenage girls in chat rooms and receiving explicit photographs.

Defending Brewer, Mr Stephen Mooney, said his client held strong religious beliefs.

He did not approve of sex before marriage, but had become confused by the conflict between his desires and beliefs, Mr Mooney said.

"He knows he has thrown away the career he was looking for," Mr Mooney added.

Judge Jeremy Griggs told Brewer it was a surprise to see a young man of his background and beliefs in the dock.

"Over your 25 years you have for the most part helped those less fortunate than yourself and shown understanding for others, but you have allowed yourself to offend in this way," the judge said.

"I am persuaded you will respond positively to a sex offenders' programme and it is the best way to protect the public in this case."