JOHN BEAN FROM ENFIELD JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Enfield, North London, John Bean, a 40-year-old married father of two, has been sentenced to three years and one month in prison for a series of serious sexual offences involving a minor. The incident came to light after Bean unknowingly engaged with a group of paedophile hunters, known as 'End-Game' and 'Broken Dreams,' who had set up a sting operation to catch individuals attempting to exploit children.

According to court reports, in June 2022, Bean initiated contact with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl through WhatsApp. During their exchanges, he sent six explicit photographs, which he later claimed were sent while he was intoxicated and under the influence of cocaine. His defense argued that his actions were impulsive and driven by substance abuse, but the evidence painted a far more troubling picture.

Unbeknownst to Bean, he was communicating with members of the 'Broken Dreams' group, who had been monitoring his online activity. The group, acting as citizen vigilantes, conducted a sting operation and confronted Bean in a live-streamed video that quickly gained popularity on Facebook, with over 77,000 views and 5,600 comments. During the confrontation, Bean insisted he had done nothing wrong, stating, 'I ain't done nothing wrong. I was never going to do anything,' and added, 'I was probably on coke. I was just being stupid. I was drunk.'

Prosecutor Garry Rutter described the incident at the Old Bailey, emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. He explained that the 'Broken Dreams' team questioned Bean about his intentions and actions, which included attempts to groom the minor. The court was shown footage of Bean's admission and his dismissive attitude during the sting.

Defending Bean, lawyer Avirup Chaudhuri highlighted the social repercussions he faced following the exposure, noting that his reputation has been severely damaged, and he has been ostracized by friends and the local community.

Judge Nigel Lickley, QC, delivered a stern judgment, stating, 'Your actions were planned and sexually motivated, and there was grooming. The offences were limited to one occasion, but it was over a period of time towards the same person. Your offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is warranted.'

Bean pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child under 14 to take sexual photographs, and engaging in sexual communication with a minor. The offences occurred between October 9 and November 12 of the previous year.

Wearing a black jumper and dark jeans, Bean appeared in court with his head bowed in shame as he was sentenced. The judge's ruling reflects the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern about online exploitation and grooming of minors in the community of Enfield and beyond.