LAWRENCE HEAD SENTENCED IN NEWTON ABBOT FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHATROOM PREDATION
In a case that has shocked the community of Newton Abbot, Lawrence Head, a 65-year-old man from Highweek Road, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face serious allegations related to online predatory behavior.The proceedings revealed that Head had engaged in disturbing conversations with individuals he believed to be young girls, some as young as 11 years old, on the popular Chat Avenue app, which is known to be frequented by schoolchildren and teenagers.
Head’s actions came to light after paedophile hunters, operating undercover, posed as 11 or 12-year-olds in chatrooms to catch predators.
These vigilantes successfully lured Head into conversations where he made explicit requests, asking the decoys to send him images of themselves.
He also offered to send explicit photos of himself, including images of masturbation.
Furthermore, he suggested that the decoys touch themselves or engage in sexual acts with pets, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory intent.
During the court hearing, it was established that Head had admitted to multiple charges, including two counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of attempted sexual communication with a minor, and three counts of downloading indecent images of children.
The court heard that in 2020, Head had contacted two girls he believed to be 11 and 12 years old.
These conversations initially took place on Chat Avenue but were later transferred to WhatsApp, a more secure messaging platform.
Unbeknownst to him, the individuals he was communicating with were members of paedophile hunting groups who had set up decoys to catch predators.
Prosecutor Mr.
Michael Brown detailed that Head had sent sexual messages, including comments about the age of 12 being a 'nice age when things start to pop out.' He also requested images from the decoys, including one of a girl in uniform, and made explicit suggestions, including touching oneself or performing acts involving animals.
Similar interactions occurred with the second decoy, who posed as an 11-year-old.
These conversations were ultimately reported to the police, who seized chat logs and evidence of Head’s activities.
Further investigation uncovered that Head possessed and had downloaded five indecent images of children.
Although he had deleted these images, they remained stored in the memory of his computer, confirming his possession of illegal material.
The authorities also found that Head had attempted to conceal his activities but was ultimately caught and charged.
At sentencing, Recorder Mr.
Malcolm Galloway imposed a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.
He also ordered Head to attend the 'Maps for Change' sex offenders’ course, complete 30 days of rehabilitation, and pay costs of £365.
Additionally, Head was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his future internet use.
Both orders are set to last for ten years.
The judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, stating, “With the assistance of probation, you can substantially reduce the danger you may pose to children, so I am prepared to suspend the sentence.” As Head left the court, he expressed remorse, telling the judge, “I’m sorry, I’ll never see you again.” To which the judge responded succinctly, “I reply to that by saying ‘good’.”
