CHRISTOPHER FARINA CAUGHT IN LANCASTER PAEDOPHILE HUNTING INCIDENT NEAR MORECAMBE

A man from Morecambe, identified as Christopher Farina, found himself in serious legal trouble after an attempted meeting with a teenage boy in Lancaster was thwarted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded in February 2023, when Farina, aged 58, engaged in online conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old boy named 'Kayden' on the Romeo app. Over the course of approximately three weeks, Farina maintained a disturbing dialogue, which included explicit sexual exchanges and the sending of a private photograph of his genitalia.

According to court reports, Farina also requested a photograph of Kayden in his pyjamas, further indicating his inappropriate intentions. The situation escalated when Farina arranged to meet Kayden at an Asda supermarket in Lancaster on March 1. However, instead of meeting a minor, he was met by members of the Save Our Children Online (SOCO) paedophile hunters group, who had set up a decoy profile using a picture of a young boy to lure potential offenders.

As Farina arrived at the designated meeting spot, the group swiftly intervened, physically restraining him and bringing him to the ground. The intervention was necessary as Farina was profoundly deaf and had learning difficulties, which rendered him unable to effectively communicate or comprehend the situation. Lancashire Police officers arrived shortly after and examined the evidence, which included screenshots of the conversations that had taken place.

The group’s decoy operation was instrumental in preventing a potential crime. Farina, who resided on Birklands Avenue in Morecambe, pleaded guilty in court to charges of attempted sexual communication with a child. During court proceedings, he explained to a probation officer that his visits to the Romeo app stemmed from feelings of loneliness and a desire to find companionship or a partner, rather than specifically seeking out an underage boy. Despite being told that 'Kayden' was only 14, Farina continued the conversation after receiving attention from the decoy.

Due to his communication difficulties, Farina was supported by a British Sign Language interpreter during the court hearing. Judge Philip Parry addressed the court, stating, "You were searching for friends or a partner. You know enough in life to know you shouldn't have communicated sexually in the way you did with a young boy. I know you have social inadequacies, learning difficulties and communication difficulties, but you also know and accept that you have very worrying sexual thoughts about children."

The judge further noted that Farina was aware of his problematic thoughts and expressed concern about his mental state. The court was informed of his troubled childhood, including being sent to boarding school at the age of four, and his previous conviction for indecent assault on a boy under 16 during the 1990s.

Judge Parry emphasized the gravity of Farina’s actions, stating, "You made a terrible decision in February last year to continue with a sexual chat with a boy you thought was 14. You should have ended that conversation immediately but you were sexually excited by it. I am pleased to see you recognise you have a problem that needs addressing."

As part of his sentence, Farina was handed a two-year community order, which includes 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years, underlining the serious nature of his conduct and the ongoing monitoring required to prevent future offenses.