A MAN who recorded a mother and child as they walked down the street and made sexual comments about the toddler has avoided jail.

Adam Syers, who lived in Poplars and Hulme at the time but now resides in Newton-le-Willows, then circulated the video on Facebook, attracting outrage from those who saw it.

The 22-year-old was hauled before Warrington Magistrates’ Court after being charged with a malicious communications offence.

But despite being ‘aware and terrified’ of the prospect of custody, he was given a second chance of rehabilitation.

Hannah Scott, prosecuting, told the court of how on May 20, the victims were walking down Poplars Avenue, unaware that they were being filmed by Syers.

The video, which was uploaded to social media, was narrated by the defendant who spoke of his wish to ‘have sex with the child’.

The mother was made aware of the video and reported it to the police.

In a victim impact statement, she spoke of how the incident has affected her mentally and the way she goes about her daily life.

She said: “I am scared to walk down the street as I am reminded by the incident. I cannot sleep as I have nightmares and horrible thoughts.”

Warrington Guardian:

The incident happened in Poplars Avenue in May

In defence of Syers, Jonathan Conder drew attention to his client’s guilty plea, showing an ‘acceptance of responsibility’ for what he has done, and the fact that he has no previous convictions.

He spoke of how the defendant is a young man with mental problems and a ‘considerable degree of immaturity’, but one that has ‘shown remorse’ and has accepted that he ‘acted stupidly’.

“The defendant is aware of prospect of immediate custody, and the prospect fills him with terror – that is the only way that I can describe it,” he said.

“A lot of work is needed with him and he will benefit greatly from probation service involvement.”

Before sentencing, chair magistrate Linda Bloomfield said: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence involving a child.

“It has had a serious and lasting impact on the child’s mother, and it is not known what impact it could have on the child. You were bound to be found out.

“Work with the probation service to ensure that you never commit such a horrible offence again.”

Syers was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison suspended for two years. He must also comply with a sexual harm prevention order and restraining order barring him from contacting the victims.