GRAHAM THISTLETHWAITE CAUGHT IN CATTARICK GARRISON SEXUAL CHAT SCAM

In August 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Graham Thistlethwaite, a man from Essex Close, Catterick Garrison, who believed he was engaging in sexual conversations with a young boy. However, he was ultimately caught in a trap set by online decoys, revealing the dangers of internet grooming and the importance of vigilance.

Thistlethwaite initiated contact with a decoy on Facebook, believing he was communicating with a minor. Throughout their exchanges, he persistently asked to meet up and sent sexually explicit messages, despite being aware that the person he was speaking to was not an actual child. His actions demonstrated a clear intent to pursue a sexual encounter with a minor, which led to serious legal consequences.

The court heard that around the same time, Thistlethwaite engaged in another sexual chat with a different decoy, whom he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. This pattern of behavior underscored his repeated attempts to establish contact with minors online. Thistlethwaite appeared at Teesside Crown Court to face charges related to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child for sexual activity following grooming behaviors.

Prosecutor Michael Smith detailed the case, explaining that on February 9 of the previous year, Thistlethwaite began a conversation with a boy on Facebook. Initially, Thistlethwaite thought the boy was 18 years old. However, as their conversation progressed, the decoy revealed that he was only 12. Despite this revelation, Thistlethwaite had already sent an explicit photograph of himself to the decoy, raising serious concerns about his intentions.

Mr. Smith noted that Thistlethwaite may have believed the decoy was an adult when the communication started, but he continued the conversation even after being told the boy was only 12. The defendant accepted the decoy’s age but still persisted in the dialogue. At one point, the decoy threatened to inform the police, prompting Thistlethwaite to plead with him not to do so. Nevertheless, explicit and sexual conversations continued, with Thistlethwaite sharing his address and vehicle registration details amid discussions about meeting in person.

Further evidence showed Thistlethwaite was captured on CCTV visiting locations mentioned in the chats, indicating his intent to follow through with the plans. Despite believing that the police might have been contacted by the decoy, Thistlethwaite continued his online sexual exchanges. On February 15 of the same year, he engaged in more conversations, this time believing he was speaking with an 18-year-old when the chats began.

In early March, Thistlethwaite was contacted by a second decoy, who was an associate of the first. He believed this second decoy to be a 13-year-old boy and engaged in sexual conversations, even sending a picture of himself. An arranged meeting was set up, but when Thistlethwaite arrived at the location, he was confronted by the decoys, who blocked his car and called the police.

Thistlethwaite had no prior convictions and cooperated fully during police interviews. The court heard that he owned up to his actions, which led to his sentencing. Recorder Craig Hassall QC sentenced him to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Thistlethwaite was ordered to complete up to 40 days of rehabilitation, attend a sex offender program, and remain on the sex offender register for 10 years. He was also issued a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing risk to the community.