May 2019

Pervert handed community order after paedophile sting

A sexual predator that believed he was grooming a 13 year old for sex has avoided a prison sentence

Charles Jones of Reigate appeared at Guildford Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the following offences: 

• Offender over the age of 18 or over attempt to engage in sexual activity in presence of a child 13-15.

• Adult to attempt to engage in sexual communications with a child

The court was told that Jones had contacted the online profile of someone he believed belonged to a 13 year old girl.

Jones sent highly sexualised messages and images in clear bid to groom the child for sexual activity. 

However, the child did not exist and was instead a adult member of paedophile hunting team ‘Net Justice’ who pose online as children to catch sexual predators who target kids

In March 2018, the  team confronted Jones at his address and questioned him on his internet activity. A member of the team rang the police and Jones was arrested at the scene.

THe judge handed Jones a 36 month community order with 15 sessions of rehabilitation activity requirements

A five year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was imposed and he was told to register as a sex offender for five years

Jones was told to pay £425 in costs and a £85 victim charge was also imposed