DANIEL CASTEL FROM NETHERFIELD CAUGHT IN SOUTHAMPTON TRYING TO MEET 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predation, Daniel Castel, a resident of Netherfield, Nottinghamshire, was apprehended by law enforcement officers after traveling across the country with the intent to meet and commit sexual offenses against a young girl believed to be only 11 years old.

On May 17, authorities from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) executed a planned operation in Southampton, where they intercepted Castel before he could carry out his malicious intentions. The arrest followed a series of online conversations in which Castel believed he was communicating with the underage girl, but in reality, he was speaking with undercover officers.

Castel, aged 48, had traveled from Nottingham to Southampton, carrying with him a variety of items that suggested he was prepared for an encounter of a sexual nature. These items included sweets, condoms, lubricant, wet wipes, and baby oil. It is important to note that no actual children were involved or harmed during the operation, as the entire scenario was a controlled police sting designed to prevent any harm.

Following his arrest, Castel was formally charged on the same day with the offence of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence. The case proceeded to court, where he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on June 24. During the hearing, Castel-Nuovo pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

Later that day, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. In addition to his imprisonment, Castel was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions on his behavior to protect the public. Furthermore, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to prevent future offenses.