KIERON DAVIS FROM COCKSHUTT SHOCKS SHROPSHIRE WITH CHILD GROOMING AT SHREWSBURY CINEMA

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Kieron Davis, a 27-year-old resident of Cockshutt near Ellesmere, was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activities with a minor after a series of alarming online exchanges. The incident unfolded in July 2022, when Davis was caught in a sting operation orchestrated by the paedophile hunting group Our Children Matter.

According to court records, Davis had been communicating with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl named 'Kitty' since October 31, 2019. Over the course of six weeks, he sent hundreds of sexually explicit messages, including images of his genitals and numerous propositions for sexual acts. Despite being repeatedly reminded of 'Kitty's' age, Davis persistently asked whether she was a virgin, inquired about her physical development, and expressed a desire for her to be his girlfriend. He also suggested they meet at a cinema in Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.

The planned meeting was set for December 14, 2019, at the Cineworld cinema. However, before Davis could carry out his intentions, he was confronted by members of the paedophile hunting group at the location. The group had arranged to meet him there, and upon confrontation, police officers swiftly arrested him. The entire operation was part of an effort to prevent potential harm to a minor, and the decoy was part of the group’s strategy to catch offenders attempting to meet children for sexual purposes.

During the court proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, it was revealed that Davis had initiated contact with 'Kitty' and continued to pursue the relationship despite clear indications of her age. The court heard that Davis had explicitly asked if she wanted to sit on his lap during their supposed cinema date, further emphasizing the sexual nature of his intentions.

In his plea, Davis admitted to five counts of attempting sexual communication with a child and one count of attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming. Judge Peter Barrie sentenced him to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning Davis would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

Judge Barrie expressed concern over the nature of Davis's actions, stating, “There was clearly a sexual element to these conversations. I must look at the harm you intended to cause, rather than the lack of actual harm that was the result of the deception.”

Additionally, Davis was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and participate in 60 days of rehabilitation activities. To further protect the public, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his contact with minors and requiring him to adhere to specific conditions aimed at preventing future offenses.