Australian man sentenced for attempting to lure 13-year-old boy with PlayStation for sex

Former boat skipper jailed for grooming 13-year-old boy

Luke Edward Reynolds, 29, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to seven offenses, including indecent treatment of a child and using electronic communications to procure a minor. The crimes occurred in April, 2024 after Reynolds initiated sexually explicit conversations with the victim on Snapchat.

Crown prosecutor Isabelle MacNicol stated Reynolds sent multiple photos of his erect penis and an animated image of two men having sex, asking the boy, "should we try this?" He also offered a PlayStation in exchange for sexual acts.

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Predatory behavior and failed meetup

Reynolds arranged to meet the boy outside Cannon Hill’s YMCA in Brisbane, bringing a cooler bag containing lubricant, condoms, and anal cream. The boy became nervous and left on his bike. His parents later discovered the messages and alerted authorities.


Police took over the boy’s account, leading Reynolds to schedule another meeting. Officers arrested him at the same location, finding the same cooler bag and explicit images of children on his phone.

Judge denounces "vile" crimes in sentencing

Judge Brad Farr called Reynolds’ actions "demonstrably serious" and "vile," noting he knew the victim was under 16. "You placed your own sexual gratification to the forefront with little, if any, thought to the potential harm," Farr said.

Defense barrister Patrick Wilson argued Reynolds was remorseful and sexually naive, citing a psychologist’s report. Reynolds was sentenced to two years in prison, with six months served before probation.