JULIEN GUILLAUME CAUGHT IN HATFIELD TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD FOR SEX BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS

In September 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in Hatfield involving a French national named Julien Guillaume, who was caught attempting to meet a 14-year-old child with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. The incident was orchestrated by paedophile hunters, who played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a serious crime.

Julien Guillaume, aged 31 and described as having no fixed address, faced the judicial system at St Albans Crown Court. On August 25, he pleaded guilty to deliberately facilitating or arranging an act in Hatfield that would have involved sexual contact with a minor. The court subsequently sentenced him to 12 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Guillaume would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period.

The events leading to his arrest occurred on July 26, when Guillaume was actively attempting to meet the young girl at the Tesco Superstore in Hatfield. The meeting was intercepted by a paedophile hunter affiliated with the Child Sex Exploitation (CSE) Interceptors, who had been monitoring the situation. The hunters' intervention prevented any potential harm to the child and led to Guillaume’s arrest.

Following his detention on July 26, Guillaume was remanded into custody at HMP Peterborough. He appeared before the court via video link to enter his guilty plea, demonstrating remorse or acknowledgment of his actions. Since then, he has been released from custody, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and the efforts of vigilant groups to combat online and offline child exploitation.