Andrew Cobb, of Bridgwater, has been jailed. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Bridgwater man Andrew Cobb jailed over messages to children

Paul JonesNovember 17, 20250 Comment0

BRIDGWATER man Andrew Cobb has been jailed after trying to message underage children for a sexual purpose – having been convicted of similar offences in 2011.

The 54-year-old, of Monmouth Street, Bridgwater, was sentenced to six years and seven months behind bars when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Friday (November 14).

He was also made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Cobb pleaded guilty to 15 offences including making indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

In April 2023, he had been messaging someone online who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and was arrested in June that year, with several of his electronic devices seized, when officers discovered the true extent of his criminality.

The examination uncovered several persistent, manipulative conversations with at least nine children including requests for images and discussions around sexual activity, the court was told. In several cases, it was found he had initiated the conversation and sought to build trust and secrecy, often framing the interactions as a private relationship or mentorship.

The court was told Cobb committed similar offences in 2011 and had been ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years, stopping in 2021 before his recent offending started.

Officer in the case, DC Benn Murphy, said: “This case exposes the calculated and relentless nature of Cobb’s online child exploitation.

“He deliberately targeted vulnerable children, manipulated them for his own gratification, and showed utter disregard for the harm he caused. His guilty plea reflects the overwhelming evidence built against him.

“We will not hesitate to pursue offenders like Cobb and bring them to justice. Protecting children is one of our absolute priorities, and we will do everything in our power to ensure those who prey on them are identified, stopped and prosecuted.”