GEORGE RAYMOND CAUGHT IN MURTON SUPERMARKET CAR PARK TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOR SEX BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in April 2019, a man from Murton was caught in a sting operation orchestrated by vigilant paedophile hunters. The confrontation took place in the parking lot of an Asda supermarket, where George Raymond, aged 47, had traveled with the intent to meet a young girl for sexual activity.

Raymond was lured by members of the Guardians of the North group, who had posed online as a teenage girl under the pseudonym ‘Lou 18’. The group’s online profile was designed to attract individuals seeking inappropriate encounters with minors. After a 20-minute drive, Raymond arrived at the designated location, believing he was about to meet a 14-year-old girl for what he described as “naughties.”

As Raymond stepped out of his vehicle in the supermarket’s car park, he was immediately confronted by the group members. One of them sternly warned him, saying, “This is the worst mistake of your life.” The group members made it clear they were experienced in such operations, with one stating, “We’re all prepared for people like you, we do this on a daily basis. We’ve caught over 180 odd people now. Google us once you’re allowed back on the internet.”

Raymond attempted to feign innocence, claiming he was only testing whether anyone would actually show up. He asked, “Have you never tried internet dating before? Nobody ever turns up.” Despite his protests, the group detained him at the scene in Pennywell, Sunderland, until police arrived to arrest him.

During police interviews, Raymond initially claimed he believed ‘Lou 18’ was of legal age, reasoning that the site’s age restrictions must have been misleading. However, he later admitted that he had been told the girl was only 14. When questioned about his intentions, Raymond insisted he would not have gone through with any sexual activity, stating, “It looked bad.”

Raymond, who resides in Murton, County Durham, faced charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for one year. The judge, Jonathan Carroll, emphasized that Raymond was being given “one chance and one chance only,” citing his previous good character as a mitigating factor.

In addition to his suspended sentence, Raymond was subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. He is also required to undertake rehabilitation programs and is now listed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to prevent such predatory behavior.