CRAIG CARNELL FROM WORCESTERSHIRE CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN POLICE STING

Craig Carnell, a former paramedic employed by the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS), has faced severe legal consequences following his conviction on multiple child sex offences. Carnell's criminal activities came to light through an undercover police operation that targeted his online communications, which he believed were with a 14-year-old boy. In reality, he was speaking with an officer posing as a minor, a setup designed to catch individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual activities with minors.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered that Carnell had not only engaged in inappropriate online conversations but also had plans to meet the supposed minor in person for sexual purposes. The police evidence demonstrated that Carnell had intended to meet the boy for sex, and he had taken concrete steps towards this goal. The court proceedings revealed that Carnell was convicted of several serious charges, including attempted sexual communication with a minor, attempting to meet a boy under the age of 16 following grooming behaviors, and attempting to facilitate penetrative sexual activity with a child.

In March of the previous year, Carnell was sentenced to a prison term of 28 months for his crimes. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will restrict him for the next ten years, alongside a requirement for him to register as a sex offender for the same duration. These measures are designed to monitor and prevent any further harm or offending behavior.

Following his conviction, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) took disciplinary action, citing that Carnell's fitness to practice as a paramedic was significantly impaired. As a result, he was officially struck off the register, effectively ending his career in the healthcare field. The court's findings highlighted the premeditated nature of Carnell's actions, noting that he possessed material indicative of planning and intent to commit sexual offenses against a minor.

It was also revealed that Carnell initially pleaded not guilty, claiming that his dismissal from WMAS was unrelated to his criminal conduct. However, the court found the evidence presented during the trial sufficient to establish his intent and planning, leading to his conviction. The case underscores the serious consequences of attempting to exploit minors and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online grooming and child exploitation activities.