BRADLEY ALFORD CAUGHT IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOR SEX HOURS AFTER COURT HEARING
In a disturbing sequence of events, Bradley Alford, a 19-year-old resident of Drove Road in Weston-super-Mare, was apprehended by police after attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity at the town’s iconic Grand Pier.This incident occurred merely hours after Alford had appeared in court to face various charges, highlighting a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
Alford’s arrest took place on September 15, following an elaborate undercover operation by law enforcement officers.
The police had initially become aware of Alford’s potential involvement in sexual offenses after his arrest in July 2016, during which he was involved in a stabbing incident at a house party in Bristol.
During that altercation, Alford used a kitchen knife in a street fight with another teenager, an incident that was triggered by an argument on Facebook.
While in police custody following his stabbing arrest, authorities conducted a thorough examination of Alford’s mobile device.
This investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of images depicting young girls in various states of undress, including naked and semi-naked photographs.
Further scrutiny of his internet activity revealed that Alford had visited multiple websites containing child pornography.
There was also evidence indicating that he had incited young girls—one as young as ten—to engage in online sexual activities, including sending explicit images and participating in sexual conversations.
Prosecutor Robin Shellard detailed the extent of Alford’s offending, stating, “They were clearly at school and Mr.
Alford wanted to meet them for sexual purposes, knowing their age and that they were under 16.
Several girls were spoken to by police, but due to their embarrassment and age, not all details of their communications were fully disclosed, which is understandable.” Following his initial arrest, Alford was released on bail.
However, authorities remained concerned that he might continue to contact underage girls.
To monitor his activities, police set up a covert operation involving a fake Facebook profile created for a fictitious 13-year-old girl named Jade.
This profile was added by Alford, who soon began messaging her.
The conversations quickly turned sexual, with Alford demanding explicit images and attempting to arrange a meeting.
During these exchanges, Alford asked Jade to wear something “cute” or her school uniform and even requested her underwear to keep.
He also expressed a desire to produce and sell pornographic films involving minors.
On the day of the planned meeting, Alford traveled from Weston-super-Mare to the pier area, but when police intervened, he attempted to flee.
After a brief chase, he was detained and refused to answer questions, choosing to answer “no comment” to all inquiries.
Alford’s actions culminated in a court appearance at Bristol Crown Court on December 1, where he faced sentencing for multiple offenses.
These included possession of indecent images of children, attempting to meet a child for sexual purposes, inciting a minor to send sexual images, and encouraging a minor to engage in sexual intercourse.
The court heard that Alford’s criminal behavior was first uncovered during the investigation into his stabbing incident, which revealed a pattern of disturbing online activity involving minors.
Judge Peter Blair QC sentenced Alford to six years in a young offenders’ institution, encompassing both the stabbing and sexual offenses.
Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order, which prohibit him from contacting any of his victims directly or indirectly.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online grooming and child exploitation, especially in seaside towns like Weston-super-Mare where such incidents continue to be a concern.
