JUSTIN GOTSELL FROM WISBECH CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS STING AT BURCROFT ROAD

In a significant case that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation, Justin Gotsell, a 44-year-old resident of Wisbech, was brought to justice after being caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The incident took place at Gotsell’s home on Burcroft Road, where he was confronted late at night on November 28 of the previous year.

Gotsell had been engaging in conversations with what he believed were two young girls, aged 12 and 14, through social media platforms. Unbeknownst to him, these girls were not real minors but were decoys created by an online child sexual abuse activist group, commonly referred to as ‘paedophile hunters’. The group had been monitoring Gotsell’s online activity and had gathered evidence of his inappropriate communications.

On the night of the confrontation, the paedophile hunters arrived at Gotsell’s residence around 11 pm. They confronted him with a series of text messages and exchanges that he believed were with the two young girls. The group live streamed the encounter on social media, and the video footage of the confrontation quickly gained widespread attention, with more than 30,000 views.

During the exchange, Gotsell admitted to the charges of grooming a child under the age of 13. He had told the decoys that he was attracted to them and even discussed meeting in a secluded location, instructing them not to tell anyone about their conversations. Despite the girls explicitly stating their ages, Gotsell continued to pursue the interaction, which was clearly inappropriate and illegal.

Following his arrest, Gotsell appeared before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of grooming a minor. The court subsequently sentenced him on May 21 to a series of penalties aimed at preventing future offending. These included a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) for 35 days, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) valid for five years, and a collection order. Additionally, Gotsell was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £270.

Authorities confirmed that the police became involved after receiving a report from an Online Child Sexual Abuse Activist Group, which is more widely known as ‘paedophile hunters’. The group’s efforts in this case were instrumental in identifying and apprehending Gotsell, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding children from online predators.