A FORTY-ONE year-old from East Lancashire who thought it would be ‘a joke’ to send sexual texts to two teenage girls is now beginning a 36-week prison sentence.

Jailing him at Burnley Crown Court, Judge Beverley Lunt said it was concerning Dean Leyland didn’t appear to appreciate the seriousness of what he had done.

“You have shown a real lack of insight and a lack of remorse and certainly your interviews with a probation officer gave me grave cause for concern,” said Judge Lunt.

Leyland, of Leeds Close, Blackburn, who admitted two offences of inciting an under-age girl to engage in sexual activity, was also issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with young girls.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said sexually-explicit texts were found when one of the Accrington girls’ smart phones was sold on to a third party. An investigation also found Leyland had contacted a second girl in a similar manner.

Ken Hind, defending, said his client now appreciated the seriousness of his actions. No specific physical abuse was involved in the case.