Goodna grandad David William Bottomley faces Ipswich court for sexual messages to ‘13yo boy’

This dirty grandad’s disturbing online activity was exposed when he sent a photo of his penis and gross sexual messages to an undercover cop posing as a 13-year-old boy, a court has heard.

David William Bottomley, 71, leaves Ipswich Court on February 14, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

An Ipswich grandad has faced court for sending gross messages and a racy picture of himself to an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old boy, a court has heard.

Goodna unit complex manager David William Bottomley, 71, pleaded guilty on February 14 to one count of using the internet to procure children under 16.

The Ipswich District Court heard Bottomley was approached by an undercover police officer on an online chat service on December 27, 2022.

Judge Katherine McGinness said the officer told Bottomley he was “only 13”.

The court heard Bottomley then sent sexualised messages over the next two days, including a picture of his genitals.

Judge McGinness said Bottomley also asked the “child” to send him an image of his genitals and offered to meet in person and engage in sexual acts.

The court heard Bottomley originally insisted he thought he was speaking to an adult posing as a child.

But Judge McGinness said he pleaded guilty on the basis he would have had a reasonable suspicion it was a real child.

Defence barrister Dan Boddice said his client had a good upbringing and work history and no criminal history.

Bottomley, who had two children and three grandchildren, was supported in court by his wife.

“You are very very fortunate that she is loyal to you and that she has stood by you,” Judge McGinness said.

She said a psychologist’s report found Bottomley had a low risk of reoffending.

The report said the offending occurred in the context of some struggles with sexuality and outside “stressors’’ at the time of the offending, which was “opportunistic” and demonstrated “poor judgment”.

Judge McGinness said she accepted McGinness was genuinely remorseful and ashamed.

She said, given his lack of criminal history and efforts towards rehabilitation, that he would not have to serve actual jail time.

She sentenced him to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Bottomley also was given a five-year reporting period under the child protection offender legislation.

Originally published as Goodna grandad David William Bottomley faces Ipswich court for sexual messages to ‘13yo boy’