KYLE CATMULL FROM FULSTOW CAUGHT IN HAMPSHIRE PAEDOPHILE HUNTER STING NEAR NAVAL BASE

In a case that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about the conduct of individuals in the military, Kyle Catmull, a 21-year-old sailor originally from Fulstow near Louth, was caught in a sting operation conducted by paedophile hunters in Fareham, Hampshire. The incident took place in July 2018, just weeks before Catmull was set to complete his basic training at HMS Collingwood, a prominent Royal Navy establishment.

Members of the vigilante group, known for posing online as minors to catch potential offenders, recorded the encounter and subsequently posted a video of the confrontation on social media platforms. The footage shows Catmull arriving at an Asda store in Fareham, where he was met by members of the group. He was found to be carrying a condom, indicating his intentions to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity.

According to court proceedings, Catmull had engaged in a series of messages with the decoy, who posed as a teenage girl. Prosecutor Daniel Sawyer revealed that within just six messages, the decoy disclosed her age as 15. The conversation then moved to WhatsApp, where it became sexualized, and arrangements were made for the meeting. When Catmull arrived at the designated location, he was confronted by the group members and subsequently arrested.

During the hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Judge William Ashworth addressed the seriousness of the case. He stated that Catmull should have ceased all contact once he realized the girl was underage. Despite this, the judge noted that Catmull had shown some remorse for his actions. As part of his sentence, Catmull was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and received a 24-month suspended sentence, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended.

In addition to the legal consequences, the court highlighted the breach of trust involved, given Catmull’s status as a Royal Navy sailor. The incident cast a shadow over his reputation, especially considering his proximity to completing his training at HMS Collingwood. The case drew attention to the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts to combat online grooming and child exploitation.

Earlier reports from February 2019 described Catmull as a young sailor who had transitioned from being seen as a hero to being viewed as a villain. The footage of the sting, which was widely circulated on social media, showed Catmull breaking down in tears as he was questioned by the group members. His background includes being based at HMS Collingwood in Fareham after completing a 10-week training program at HMS Rayleigh in Plymouth.

During the confrontation, the decoy asked him if he was in the navy, to which he replied affirmatively. The group member then questioned whether he should know better, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with his role. Catmull responded simply with “Yes,” and was told that his actions had villainized himself. He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court dressed in a smart grey suit and is scheduled for sentencing on March 14. Until further notice, he will remain on the sex offenders register, marking a significant fall from grace for the young sailor from Fulstow.