JEREMY MOORISH CAUGHT IN LONDON AND OTTERY ST MARY: PAEDOPHILE HUNTING TEAM BRINGS DOWN SEXUAL PREDATOR

In a significant case highlighting the dangers of online child exploitation, Jeremy Moorish, a 46-year-old man originally from Ottery St Mary, has been convicted after being caught by a dedicated paedophile hunting team. The incident unfolded in Exeter, but Moorish has since relocated to London, raising concerns about the reach of such predators across different regions.

In January 2019, Moorish appeared via video link at Exeter Crown Court to face serious charges related to his online activities. The court heard that Moorish had engaged in sexual communication with a girl aged 13 and had attempted to meet her in person with the intent of engaging in sexual conduct. The investigation revealed that Moorish had targeted two online profiles he believed belonged to schoolgirls, initiating contact through social media platforms.

According to court records, Moorish immediately sent sexually explicit messages to both girls, including photographs of his genitals and a video of himself masturbating. His actions demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and predatory behavior. After several weeks of online communication, Moorish arranged to meet one of the girls following a period of sexual grooming, which further underscored his intent to exploit the minor.

On November 17, 2018, Moorish, who had just finished his shift at a recycling company in Marsh Barton, Exeter, traveled to Cowick Street precinct. He sat and waited in his car while messaging the girl, seemingly unaware that he was under surveillance. Unbeknownst to him, members of the UK database paedophile hunting team had covertly positioned themselves nearby. They approached Moorish in his vehicle and questioned him about his online activity.

During the confrontation, the team revealed that both of the girls he had been communicating with were actually decoys—adult members of the team posing as underage girls to catch predators. The decoys involved in this operation were Kellie Jakoma and Elsie Knight. Moorish was taken aback but fully admitted to his actions, expressing remorse and despair. He told the team that his life was over and even mentioned thoughts of self-harm, stating that he knew what he was doing was wrong and that he would be classified as a paedophile if caught.

Moorish also expressed disturbing fantasies, including a desire to be at school with the girls so he could see other students naked during physical education classes. His comments underscored the severity of his predatory mindset.

Following his admission, the UK database team contacted the police, who arrived promptly and arrested Moorish at the scene. Although Moorish initially provided a false name, 'Tom,' the investigative team was able to identify and track him through digital evidence.

In court, Moorish was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was issued a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and was required to register as a sex offender for the same period. The UK database expressed gratitude to Exeter police for their swift and professional response, which facilitated a rapid conviction and ensured that Moorish's dangerous behavior was addressed.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community efforts to protect children from exploitation.