'Serious risk to children' was lured to Hull in paedophile hunters' sting operation

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A paedophile was lured to Hull after communicating with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

Terance Atkins, 60, was met in Hull by a group of paedophile hunters called Secretly Tackling Online Predators, (STOP), who set up a sting. Atkins, a delivery driver from Birmingham, admitted attempting sexual communication with a child.

Prosecuting at Grimsby Crown Court, Stephen Welch told how the group set up a decoy 13-year-old girl online. Atkins made contact in April 2022.

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He told the girl he was 40 years old, although at the time, he was 58 years old. Mr Welch said the paedophile messaged the girl telling her he wanted to lie down with her in bed and kiss her. He requested photographs of her with just a towel.

He travelled to Hull where the group awaited him to confront him with his communications. He was arrested by police and interviewed. Humberside Police searched his phone and found searches for hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation in the Hull area. There were also searches for indecent images of children.

Mr Welch said: "He did solicit images. He finds it difficult to admit his sexual interest in children so he is a serious risk to children."

For Atkins, Stephen Robinson said his client's family had broken off contact with him, although his father and sister still stand by him, but are appalled by what he has done. "He is adamant he will not go through anything like that again," said Mr Robinson.

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He added his client's son had died a number of years ago and he was beset with relationship problems. "It led to isolation and too much time on his hands," he told.

Judge Mark Bury said there were no previous relevant convictions so he would treat him as statutory good character. He said he did not understand why the defendant was living in a "dive" of a home of multiple occupancy, when he was earning £1,600-a-month as a delivery driver.

"You use adult dating sites for casual relationships," he said. The judge added: "It seems to me you have a sexual interest in children . You struggle to come to terms with what you have done. For you to move on with your life you have to come to terms with it. You have lost family and friends. You have an interest in adult women but also this darker side. You would benefit from a meaningful relationship, not just hook ups for sex," said Judge Bury. He warned him any repeat of contact with children and he would face "a hefty sentence."

He imposed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He said a Sexual Harm Prevention Order would be in place for 10 years which will allow officers to monitor his online activity. He was also ordered to do 30 Rehabilitation Activity days to prevent further commission of offences.