A PAEDOPHILE from Barrow is a ‘predator’ who should be ‘locked up for life ’ after committing a third set of sex offences against children.

Ian William Strickland was first jailed in July 2018 after he was confronted by paedophile hunters Dark Light at his former home in Wordsworth Street.

The 44-year-old later pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child; attempting to meet a child under 16 after grooming; attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child.

He was released on licence but in May this year he was given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to communicating with a 12-year-old girl and trying to persuade her to meet; communicating with a 13-year-old boy and trying to persuade him to meet; communicating with a second 12-year-old girl and trying to persuade her to meet; and having indecent photographs of children.

Strickland, of Tay Court, has now admitted further offences and appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by possessing a laptop and a mobile phone.

He also admitted attempting to meet a girl following grooming and attempting to incite two children to engage in sexual activity.

The paedophile hunter who caught Strickland last year after posing as a 12-year-old girl said he was a ‘major risk to the kids of Barrow’.

Mike, who got involved in stinging sex offenders because of his own firsthand experience of child sex abuse, said Strickland was ‘clearly a prolific paedophile’.

“When we stung him he didn’t speak a word; there was nothing in his eyes, he was a very odd character,” Mike said.

“I’ve put 74 child abuusers behind bars and I have no doubt that Strickland is clearly a prolific paedophile who is a major risk to the kids of Barrow and he should be locked up for life.”

Mike revealed Strickland had sent full naked photos of himself when he believed he was talking to a 12-year-old girl.

He also appeared to have a bizarre fetish for feet.

“He’s dangerous,” Mike added.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock branded Strickland a ‘predator’ and backed the call for him to be jailed. “The suspended sentence Mr Strickland got away with after his last offences has sickeningly failed to protect vulnerable children; that must be put right now,” Mr Woodcock said.

“Suspended sentences are supposed to deter criminals from re-offending - the question is whether this was a one-off breakdown or a sign that penalty guidelines for paedophiles need to be toughened.

“Either way, this will deeply disturb parents who just want to keep their loved ones safe from predators.”

Strickland was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on October 4.