Wiltshire Man Escapes Prison Term After Paedophile Hunter Sting

A Wiltshire man who was caught by paedophile hunters has escaped a prison term. 46-year-old Gary Edge was convicted of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

The conviction stemmed from an investigation by Wiltshire Police, who received information that Edge had been engaging in online conversations with what he believed to be an underage girl between March and May of last year. The "girl" was actually an adult decoy set up by a group of paedophile hunters.

Despite being informed that the "girl" was only 14 years old, Edge persisted in trying to engage her in sexually explicit conversations.

At Salisbury Crown Court on July 3rd, Edge was sentenced to an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to comply with the following conditions:

• Six-month alcohol treatment requirement
• 20 rehabilitation activity days
• Court surcharge of £156

Edge, of Swaledale Road, Warminster, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.

DS Sam Hopkinson from CID stated, "I'm pleased that Edge has been sentenced and has been given a lengthy sexual harm prevention order and must be on the Sex Offender's Register for the next decade. Wiltshire Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm."

"While there was fortunately no victim in this case, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has suffered a sexual offence to please come forward and speak to us as soon as you can. Our specially trained officers will treat you with sensitivity and compassion."

"I would also urge anyone who has concerns that a child they know may be being abused or exploited, to report this to us."