Mario Palumbo Jailed for Sexually Explicit Chats With Decoy Posing as 13-Year-Old Girl

A "dangerous" child pervert was tracked down to his home in Bradford by a paedophile hunter group after engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl.

Fitness instructor Mario Palumbo, of Smiddles Lane, became intrigued by a fake Facebook profile set up by a member of the Child Safety Online Team and began messaging the account in September. Palumbo sent sexualized messages to the decoy, including naked images of himself, and described her as "absolutely adorable."

Bradford Crown Court heard on Thursday (December 19) that at the time, Palumbo was still under prison licence after being jailed for four years in 2020 at Sheffield Crown Court for making threats to kill. He had also been given a three-year extended licence period in 2020 due to being assessed as a dangerous offender.

Prosecutor David McGonigal stated that Palumbo called the decoy "sexy" and "beautiful" and sent her images of lacy underwear she might want to wear. Mr. McGonigal explained that members of the group were able to locate Palumbo's address in Bradford, and when they went to his home, he attempted to escape through the back door. Upon apprehension, Palumbo admitted to his actions, stating, "I know what I've done is wrong. Please don't contact the police because I'm on licence."

Palumbo, appearing in court via video link, pleaded guilty in October to two offences relating to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. His barrister John Bottomley told the court that his tearful client was upset and ashamed of his actions and recognized the seriousness of the offence.

Judge Sophie McKone sentenced Palumbo to 40 months imprisonment and imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future contact with under 16s and his use of the internet. He will also have to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Judge McKone stated that Palumbo's actions demonstrated a sexual interest in children, emphasizing that he was fully aware he was dealing with a child, even if fictional.