FRANK GARNETT FROM ANCOATS CAUGHT IN SHOCKING PAEDOPHILE STING AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Frank Garnett, a man from Ancoats, Manchester, was caught in a sting operation involving a self-styled paedophile hunter. The incident unfolded at a bus station, where Garnett was apprehended after engaging in sexually explicit text conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl named Alex. In reality, the girl did not exist; instead, Garnett was communicating with an individual named Daniel Holding, who had set up the trap.

Garnett’s messages became increasingly sexual in nature, prompting serious concern from authorities. The case was brought before Liverpool Crown Court, where Garnett was sentenced to 10 months in prison. The court heard that Garnett had arranged to meet the supposed girl in Atherton, but the initial meeting was canceled and did not occur. However, during the second attempt to meet in Atherton, Garnett was confronted by the paedophile hunter, who had been monitoring his communications.

Throughout the proceedings, Garnett maintained his innocence, denying any intent to commit a crime. Nevertheless, when the court was shown printed copies of the text exchanges, it became evident that Garnett had been groomed into believing he was engaging with a minor. Prosecutor Frank Dillon stated that Garnett told the individual he believed to be the girl, Mr. Holding, that he had ‘never intended to do anything’.

Garnett, whose address was listed as Woodward Street, Ancoats, Manchester, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to meet a girl after grooming her. His defense attorney, Paul Becker, described the case as unusual because there was no actual victim involved and no harm had been caused. However, he also expressed regret that comments made by the paedophile hunter on Facebook had caused Garnett personal difficulties, particularly with his wife.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses of a similar nature. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and the methods used by vigilantes to catch potential offenders, raising questions about the balance between justice and entrapment.