GARETH ROGERS FROM NEW FERRY CAUGHT IN UNDERCOVER POLICE STING AT HUNTS CROSS MCDONALD'S

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement, Gareth Rogers, a 41-year-old man from Easton Road, New Ferry, was caught attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity. The incident unfolded after Rogers engaged in a series of predatory conversations with what he believed was a young girl named Lily, but was in fact an undercover police officer operating a decoy profile on Kik Messenger.

According to court reports, the police created the fake profile on November 15, 2019, to monitor and catch individuals attempting to exploit minors online. The conversation with Rogers began in earnest on January 22, 2020, when he messaged the decoy under the username GDR1980, claiming to be a 39-year-old from Wirral. Rogers expressed a desire to chat, flirt, and possibly engage in more intimate exchanges, indicating his interest in a sexual relationship with the minor.

Throughout the exchanges, Rogers was quite explicit, discussing the possibility of swapping nude photos. He also revealed that he worked remotely for a software company and advised Lily to delete their chat history to avoid detection. The messages grew increasingly suggestive, with Rogers asking Lily if she had engaged in self-harm, which the prosecution characterized as a sexualized inquiry. It was noted that Rogers had been a member of Kik Messenger for over 14 months at that point.

Despite Lily repeatedly stating her age as 13, Rogers persisted in his advances. He requested a photo of her, which she declined, but he sent a headshot of himself instead. He explained that he was seeking someone to help him out of a difficult situation caused by his wife, further revealing his intent to pursue a sexual relationship. Over the following days, Rogers continued to discuss their age difference, emphasizing the need for caution, and made derogatory remarks about Lily being a tease.

By February 18, Rogers openly stated he was looking for a