DAVE MASON FROM HARWICKE CAUGHT IN POLICE STING INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, a 55-year-old man named David Mason was found guilty by a jury after a swift deliberation lasting just 36 minutes. The conviction stemmed from Mason's attempt to engage in a sexual conversation with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer operating under the alias ‘Libby Bowen’.

According to court proceedings, Mason, residing on Wynnstay Court Road in Hardwicke, initiated contact through online chat rooms, specifically logging into a platform called ‘Just Teens’. Mason claimed that his participation was merely role-playing with other adults who shared similar interests, asserting that he did not derive any sexual gratification from the exchanges. However, the evidence presented painted a different picture.

Prosecutor Catherine Flint explained to the jury, which consisted of five men and seven women, that Mason, under the username ‘Dave69’, began communicating with a user named ‘ChristmasGeordieLass14’. This alias was used by an undercover female police officer portraying a 14-year-old girl. The conversation quickly turned sexual in nature after Mason, using his real first name ‘Dave’, inquired about her age, gender, and location. The girl responded that she was from Newcastle and was 14 years old.

As the chat progressed, Mason described his own state of arousal, mentioning that he was pleasuring himself, and asked if ‘Libby’ would like to watch. He then requested photographs of her, which led to email exchanges. It was through these emails that authorities were able to trace Mason’s identity. Police officers executed a warrant at his home, seized his computer equipment, and arrested him on December 21, 2017, as part of a carefully coordinated sting operation.

Mason later testified in court, claiming that he suspected ‘Libby’ was an adult when he asked for her photograph, noting that he observed the image had been altered, which confirmed his suspicions. He stated that he had fabricated details about his background, claiming to have grown up in Worcester and to have been working on the railway network in Newcastle over Christmas. Mason insisted that he had no intention of revealing his true identity or location online and maintained that his actions were motivated by boredom rather than sexual interest in minors. He also asserted that his computer did not contain any indecent images of children.

However, prosecutor Flint emphasized that Mason was not merely role-playing but was, in fact, playing himself—a middle-aged man—who treated the girl as a child throughout their conversation. She pointed out that there was no indication that ‘Libby’ was anything but a 14-year-old girl, and Mason’s conduct was consistent with grooming behavior.

Following the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict, Recorder James Waddington QC stated that sentencing would be delayed to allow for the preparation of reports. Mason was released on conditional bail and is scheduled to return to court on Friday, April 16, for sentencing proceedings.