Paedophile Jailed After Online Sting Operation

Peter Davies, 46, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for engaging in sexual communications with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences took place between March 5 and 18, 2023, and involved Davies believing he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl. In reality, he was talking to an adult decoy from the online group '365 Hunters'.

Davies, who had previously worked in schools fitting catering equipment, was confronted by 365 Hunters in a video shared on Facebook. The group highlighted his request for images of the child in her school uniform.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Davies had asked the child to engage in sexual activity and requested explicit images. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of children's bras, underwear, and a school uniform, resulting in an interim sexual risk order being put in place.

Judge Darren Preston sentenced Davies on July 4, also imposing a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The successful sting operation conducted by 365 Hunters and subsequent arrest by Cumbria police highlights the importance of online vigilance and the role of voluntary organisations in protecting children.