DIEGO MARQUES FROM GATESHEAD JAILED AFTER PREDATORY PLOT WITH UNDERAGE BOY
In a case that highlights ongoing efforts to combat online grooming and child exploitation, Diego Marques, an information technology consultant based in Gateshead, was sentenced to prison following his attempt to meet a minor for sexual activity.The incident unfolded in January 2017, when Marques believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy through online channels.
Marques engaged in conversations with what he thought was a teenage boy, but in reality, he was speaking with members of the child protection team known as 'Guardians of the North.' These dedicated professionals operate undercover to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit minors.
During their interaction, Marques's dialogue quickly shifted to sexual topics, and he explicitly expressed his desire to meet the young person for sexual purposes.
When Marques arrived at the designated meeting point, expecting to meet the supposed 14-year-old, he was met instead by members of the Guardians of the North.
The team immediately detained him, leading to his arrest on the spot.
The confrontation was a result of meticulous planning and undercover work by the child protection unit, aimed at preventing potential abuse and bringing offenders to justice.
A spokesperson for Guardians of the North expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We’re really pleased that he received a custodial sentence.
It restores a bit of our faith in the justice system.
The team works tirelessly around the clock to make sure these people are brought to justice.” Following his arrest, Marques appeared before Newcastle Crown Court, where he was handed a sentence of eight months in prison.
In addition to his incarceration, he was subjected to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade and pay a victim surcharge of £140.
These measures aim to protect the community and prevent future offenses by Marques, whose actions underscore the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community efforts to safeguard children from exploitation.
