KEVIN WATSON FROM STRETFORD TRAFFORD CAUGHT IN CHILD SEX OFFENCE PLOT

In a disturbing case uncovered in Trafford, Kevin Watson, aged 56, was apprehended by police after engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal online communications with undercover officers. The investigation revealed that Watson had a collection of children's underwear at his residence, raising serious concerns about his intentions and activities.

Authorities first identified Watson when a device linked to his home IP address was found to have uploaded indecent images of children to the internet. This discovery prompted a thorough search of his property, during which officers uncovered a bag containing children's underwear. Additionally, they seized computer equipment that contained 67 indecent images of minors, as confirmed by prosecutor Chloe Fordham.

Further investigations revealed that Watson had been actively communicating online with undercover officers posing as minors. One officer, under the alias 'Luke,' pretended to be a 13-year-old boy. During these chats, Watson engaged in sexually explicit conversations, expressing curiosity and making inappropriate remarks. He asked about secluded places near his home where he could meet the boy for sexual acts and even searched online for terms such as 'naked teens' and 'naked mums and daughters.'

In another set of conversations, Watson interacted with an officer posing as the father of a 10-year-old girl, named 'Simon.' He asked for photographs of the girl and made arrangements to meet her with the intent of sexually abusing her. Watson discussed taking a train to meet the girl and even spoke on the phone with the officer, exploring logistics for the meeting. However, he ultimately did not follow through with the plan and was arrested at his home.

During police interviews, Watson claimed that he would never harm any children and insisted that his online activities were merely 'fantasy.' He admitted to being intoxicated while sending messages, stating that he drank between 14 and 16 cans of Stella each day. Electronic devices seized from his home contained an additional 55 indecent images of children, further implicating him in the possession of child abuse material.

Watson, who resides on Poplar Street in Stretford, Trafford, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to sexually communicate with a child, possessing indecent images of children, and arranging an act that would involve a child in a sexual offence. The case was heard at Manchester Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 26 months in prison for his crimes, highlighting the severity of his actions and the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation.