ANTONY BALICKI CAUGHT IN SKEGNESS TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD BOY IN DERBYSHIRE

In April 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Antony Balicki, a 65-year-old man from Skegness, who was caught attempting to meet a 14-year-old boy in Derbyshire. The incident was brought to light by vigilant paedophile hunters who had been monitoring Balicki after he engaged in explicit online conversations and performed a sexual act himself.

Balicki initially connected with the decoy, known as Kai, through the popular dating app Romeo. During their exchanges, he sent messages via WhatsApp in which he expressed a desire to “kiss and cuddle” the boy and requested photographs of him in his pyjamas. As their conversations progressed, Balicki, who openly identified as gay and shared explicit details about his sexual preferences, continued to escalate the dialogue. He proposed meeting up for pizza and further intimate contact, including kissing and cuddling.

Between January 11 and 13 of the previous year, Balicki was recorded by the activists performing a sexual act while fully dressed. This footage was later screenshot by the online vigilantes. The following day, Balicki expressed remorse, writing in a message, “I think I did something really wrong last night,” indicating some level of regret about his actions.

Despite this, he did not abandon his plans. Later that same day, Balicki traveled from Skegness to Heanor, a town in Derbyshire, where he believed he would meet the boy. Interestingly, he had initially claimed to be traveling to the area for a dental appointment, but the paedophile hunters had anticipated his intentions and were waiting for him at the location.

Authorities were alerted, and upon reviewing the WhatsApp messages on his phone, police officers swiftly arrested him. The case was brought before Derby Crown Court, where Judge Jonathan Bennett addressed the court regarding the charges. He clarified that the charges were “attempted” sexual offences because the child involved was a decoy, not a real minor. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized the gravity of Balicki’s intentions, stating, “The serious aspect is what you intended to do and what’s clear to me from hearing these things is that you contacted Kai and initiated sexual conversations. You indicated what you would like to do — you also performed a sexual act — it’s disgraceful behaviour on your part.”

Balicki, of Meadowview, Skegness, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to meet a child following grooming and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act. His sentencing included a 12-month jail term for each charge, to be served concurrently, but suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation. The court also imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, a fine of £10,000, court costs of £1,200, and a victim surcharge of £149. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online grooming and protect minors from exploitation.