JONATHON STYLES CAUGHT IN DERBY: PAEDOPHILE TRAPPED BY FATHER USING ONLINE DECEPTION

In a striking case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and vigilant parenting, a father from Derby took extraordinary measures to catch a known paedophile, Jonathon Styles, in the act. The incident unfolded in September 2010 when the father discovered that Styles had been grooming his 15-year-old son through MSN Messenger, prompting him to act decisively.

After uncovering the disturbing online conversations, the father logged into his son’s web chat account, posing as the teenager himself. Under this false identity, he engaged in several online exchanges with Styles, who was 29 years old at the time. During these conversations, Styles was led to believe he was communicating with a 16-year-old boy, although the father knew the truth—that the boy was only 15.

In the course of their online dialogue, Styles made several inappropriate comments and suggested meeting in person. The father, acting as his son, arranged to meet Styles in a car park for what he believed would be a sexual encounter. However, before any meeting could take place, the father confronted Styles physically, wrestled him to the ground, and then took him to the police station himself, effectively executing a citizen’s arrest.

Styles was subsequently arrested and appeared before Derby Crown Court, where he admitted to meeting a child following sexual grooming. The court heard that Styles had previously met the boy during his school lunch hour after chatting on MSN Messenger. Although nothing physical occurred during their initial meeting on September 28, the boy was frightened and confided in his teachers and his father about the online grooming.

The court was presented with parts of the online conversations between Styles and the father, who was posing as his son. In one message, the boy’s account stated: “I’m 15, but didn’t think you would meet me if I told you.” Styles responded, “As long as you tell me you’re 16 then I will.” Later, Styles suggested that if the boy wanted to kiss, they could meet near his house, but if he wanted to do more, they would need to go elsewhere. Styles also asked, “But babe, you’re 16 ain’t yer?” to which the boy replied, “15.” Styles then responded, “If you want to do stuff, you’re 16 – if not, we’re MSN mates.”

When questioned by police, Styles admitted, “I cannot help it, I’m attracted to 16-year-old boys. I need help.” At his sentencing, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was subject to a sexual offenders’ prevention order for five years. Additionally, he was banned from using MSN Messenger.

Judge Michael Fowler addressed Styles during sentencing, emphasizing the danger of his activities. He stated, “You know how dangerous your activities were; dangerous to you that you might get caught and end up in custody. You would be in custody for about three months, when it’s agreed that three years is a minimum to try and address the problems you have, to prevent you from giving in to temptation.” The judge further explained that, “Sentencing guidelines suggest the jail term for the offence is less than 18 months but this will not give the defendant sufficient time to receive help for his problem. A jail sentence might punish Mr. Styles but would not necessarily protect young people from his predatory instincts.”