Hayman Island skipper who ferried rich and famous jailed for child sex offences after offering a boy a PlayStation for sex
Former Hayman Island Resort boat operator Luke Edward Reynolds, 29, pleaded guilty on Friday to multiple charges including grooming and attempting to meet a 13-year-old-boy he contacted through social media.
Police arrested Reynolds when he travelled to meet what he believed was the 13-year-old boy at Cannon Hill in Brisbane's east.
At the time of his arrest, the tour boat skipper on prestigious Hayman Island was running fishing and snorkelling charters for guests at the luxury resort.
Court documents revealed Reynolds had been communicating with the teenager through Snapchat, engaging in sexualised conversations and allegedly offering the child a PlayStation gaming console in exchange for sex.
The court heard Reynolds sent explicit images including photos of his genitals and an animated sex act, asking the boy 'should we try this?', crown prosecutor Isabelle MacNicol told the cour t.
The offences came to light when the boy's father became suspicious of his son's online activities and contacted authorities.
The court heard Reynolds sent explicit images during their conversations and made arrangements to meet the boy.
When officers searched Reynolds' vehicle at the meeting location, they found lubricant and condoms.
The defendant was in possession of a Working with Children Blue Card at that time.
Reynolds was sentenced to two years' jail but will be released on probation after serving a minimum of six months behind bars.
Hayman Island Resort, located in the Whitsundays, is one of Australia's most expensive holiday destinations, regularly hosting celebrities and high-profile guests.
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2 days ago
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Hayman Island skipper who ferried rich and famous jailed for child sex offences after offering a boy a PlayStation for sex
A former luxury resort skipper who once ferried wealthy tourists to Queensland's most exclusive island getaway has been sentenced to at least six months behind bars for child sex offences. Former Hayman Island Resort boat operator Luke Edward Reynolds, 29, pleaded guilty on Friday to multiple charges including grooming and attempting to meet a 13-year-old-boy he contacted through social media. Police arrested Reynolds when he travelled to meet what he believed was the 13-year-old boy at Cannon Hill in Brisbane's east. At the time of his arrest, the tour boat skipper on prestigious Hayman Island was running fishing and snorkelling charters for guests at the luxury resort. Court documents revealed Reynolds had been communicating with the teenager through Snapchat, engaging in sexualised conversations and allegedly offering the child a PlayStation gaming console in exchange for sex. The court heard Reynolds sent explicit images including photos of his genitals and an animated sex act, asking the boy 'should we try this?', crown prosecutor Isabelle MacNicol told the cour t. The offences came to light when the boy's father became suspicious of his son's online activities and contacted authorities. The court heard Reynolds sent explicit images during their conversations and made arrangements to meet the boy. When officers searched Reynolds' vehicle at the meeting location, they found lubricant and condoms. The defendant was in possession of a Working with Children Blue Card at that time. Reynolds was sentenced to two years' jail but will be released on probation after serving a minimum of six months behind bars. Hayman Island Resort, located in the Whitsundays, is one of Australia's most expensive holiday destinations, regularly hosting celebrities and high-profile guests.
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