SMIRKING EX-SOLDIER SNARED: PREDATOR JOHN CONNER JAILED AFTER VIGILANTE STING
A former soldier who grinned and shrugged his way through a secret sting operation has now been locked behind bars, after being caught by online decoy group Sarzy Decoy in 2023.John Conner, described as “blasé” during his exposure, was today sentenced to three years in prison, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and will have to register with police for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The disgraced ex-military man appeared unfazed during the sting, smiling and shrugging off accusations.
But the bravado didn’t last long, as a judge handed down a sentence that ensures he won’t be smirking again anytime soon.
On top of his jail time, Conner must also pay a £190 victim services surcharge, funding support for survivors of crime.
The bust was part of a wider operation by London Overwatch and vigilante hunters like Sarzy Decoy, who infiltrate online groups to expose predators lurking in the shadows.