KEVIN CADMAN CAUGHT IN BROSELEY PAEDOPHILE STING - SHROPSHIRE MAN JAILED AFTER FACEBOOK LIVE CONFRONTATION

In a significant case that highlights the dangers of online predatory behavior, Kevin Cadman, a 43-year-old resident of Broseley, Shropshire, was brought to justice following a dramatic sting operation carried out by vigilant groups targeting online child predators. The incident unfolded on the evening of March 17 last year, when Cadman was unexpectedly confronted at his home on Guest Road, Broseley, in a live-streamed operation that drew viewers from across the region and beyond.

Cadman’s arrest was the culmination of a carefully coordinated effort by the group known as Army Of Darkness, which had tracked him down after he engaged in online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The group had set up a fake profile to lure him into their trap, knowing his location and planning the sting accordingly. The confrontation was captured and broadcast live on Facebook, allowing the public to witness the events unfold in real time. The police were called during the live stream, and officers promptly responded to Cadman’s address, leading to his arrest.

According to the prosecution, Steven Bailey, during proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, detailed the nature of Cadman’s online interactions. It was revealed that Cadman had been communicating on an app from March 12 under the alias 'Patrick.' Despite the supposed victim being only 14, Cadman made inappropriate comments, including telling her she was 'sexy' and requesting photographs. The conversation initially took place on the app but later moved to WhatsApp, where Cadman continued to attempt to arrange a meeting, despite the girl claiming she was sick and off school. On March 15, Cadman reached out again via Scout, asking about her activities.

Two days after these exchanges, the vigilante group arrived at Cadman’s home. When he answered the door, he proceeded to go upstairs and was observed looking out of the window, indicating awareness of the situation. During the live stream, a member of another vigilante group called Decoy Central recognized Cadman as someone she had previously interacted with under the false identities of two different 13-year-old girls, further confirming his predatory intent.

Cadman admitted to attempting to facilitate or arrange a sexual offence involving a minor and engaging in sexual communication with a child. His defense lawyer, Paul Smith, acknowledged the severe impact of the incident on Cadman’s life, noting that he had not been able to work since the sting and was actively trying to rebuild his personal life.

Judge Jonathan Gosling addressed Cadman directly, condemning his actions. He emphasized the seriousness of Cadman’s attempts over the course of a week to sexually exploit young girls, warning that if real victims had been involved, the charges and sentencing would have been far more severe. Ultimately, Cadman was sentenced to nine months in prison and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat online child exploitation in the region.