ANDREW BULLEN FROM BOLTON SENTENCED FOR TRYING TO PROSTITUTE 15-YEAR-OLD BOY IN DARWEN

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online exploitation, Andrew Bullen, a 45-year-old man from Bolton, has been sentenced to prison after attempting to incite a 15-year-old boy into prostitution. The incident unfolded after Bullen responded to a seemingly innocent online advertisement posted by the young teenager, who was seeking employment opportunities in the local area through the popular online marketplace Gumtree.

Prosecutors revealed that Bullen engaged with the boy by replying to his job posting, which was intended to find work. During their online exchanges, Bullen offered the teenager a sum of £50 in exchange for sexual favours, a clear indication of his malicious intent. Following this, the two exchanged contact details, including mobile phone numbers, which facilitated further communication.

Subsequently, Bullen arranged to meet the boy in person at the Ocean Palace restaurant located on Bolton Road in Darwen. The planned meeting was set for March 8 of this year. During a phone call, Bullen was made aware that the boy was actually 15 years old, despite the initial online profile suggesting he was 16. This crucial detail did not deter Bullen from proceeding with his plans.

Concerned about the situation, the boy confided in his uncle about the conversation with Bullen. Acting swiftly, the uncle decided to intervene by attending the meeting location himself. Instead of the boy attending the rendezvous, the uncle went in his place and recorded the registration plate of Bullen’s vehicle, gathering vital evidence for the police investigation.

When brought before the court, Bullen appeared dressed in blue jeans, a blue shirt, and a quilted jacket. He admitted to the charge of inciting a child into prostitution, acknowledging his involvement in the criminal activity. The court heard the evidence against him, which was deemed sufficient to warrant a serious sentence.

Judge Heather Lloyd sentenced Bullen to 12 months in prison. Additionally, she imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will last for ten years, prohibiting him from working with children and requiring him to register as a sex offender for a decade. Bullen’s address was noted as Manchester Road, Bolton.

Detective Sergeant Simon Upton, from the Eastern division public protection unit, commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the crime. He stated, “This male clearly targeted a young man who he knew was only 15 years old, having targeted him on a well-known community website. As a result of his actions and the subsequent police investigation, Bullen has had his liberty taken away from him and is now on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.”

He further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions or incidents of sexual exploitation, encouraging victims or witnesses to contact police via the non-emergency number 101. The police reaffirm their commitment to tackling sexual abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harm.