DANIEL ELDRIDGE CAUGHT IN MEADOWFIELD TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NEWCASTLE

In October 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Daniel John Eldridge, a 21-year-old man from Meadowfield, County Durham. Eldridge was caught in a sting operation orchestrated by the vigilante group known as Geordie Chasers, who specialize in exposing individuals attempting to engage in illegal activities with minors.

For approximately four months, Eldridge engaged in online conversations via WhatsApp, believing he was communicating with a young girl aged 13. During this period, he maintained a series of chats, which included discussions about meeting in person. The conversations, along with screenshots, revealed that Eldridge was aware the girl was only 13, despite claiming he thought the age of consent was 18.

On the day of the planned meeting, Eldridge traveled roughly 20 miles from his home in Meadowfield to Newcastle. He arrived at the designated meeting point carrying a Dairy Milk chocolate bar and a can of Coke, ostensibly to meet the girl. However, instead of meeting a minor, he was confronted by members of the Geordie Chasers, who had been monitoring his online activity.

The group recorded footage of the encounter, which was subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities. The footage shows Eldridge struggling to speak as the group confronts him about his intentions. During the 16-minute video, Eldridge is visibly distressed and admits that his decision to meet the girl was 'daft.' At one point, he laments, 'I’ve lost everything.'

In the exchange, Eldridge is told that his actions could have caused lifelong trauma to the child. When asked if he knew the girl’s age, he responded that he believed the age of consent was 18. However, the screenshots of their conversations clearly indicate that he was aware she was only 13.

Following his arrest, Eldridge pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. His sentencing included a 36-week jail term, which was suspended for 24 months. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will last for seven years, explicitly prohibiting him from contacting children online.

The vigilante group, Geordie Chasers, expressed their dissatisfaction with the leniency of the sentence, describing it as 'far too lenient.' They emphasized the seriousness of Eldridge’s actions and the potential harm he intended to cause. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and the importance of vigilant community efforts to protect minors from exploitation.