LAWRENCE JOHNS

***Image Required*** A Nottingham man named Lawrence Johns engaged in online chat with a girl he believed to be 14 years old, inviting her to visit him in Nottingham and asking provocative questions such as “are you naughty?” and “will you let me undress you?” Nottingham Crown Court was told that Johns, 34 and from Sherwood, was unaware that the girl, called “Ruby,” was actually part of a group of ‘paedophile hunters’ who reported his activity to police, leading to his arrest.

Johns had prior cautions for similar offences in 2017 but denies having any sexual interest in children.

During sentencing, the judge stressed that children are the most vulnerable members of society and deserve protection from sexual predators like Johns.

The judge warned him that this could be his last chance, warning that any future offence would face severe consequences.

Prosecutor Richard Thatcher explained that a paedophile hunting group created a profile named “Ruby” in mid-2024, confirming her age as only 14.

Johns accepted her friend request, and their conversations appeared innocent initially.

However, by early July, Johns started asking her to travel from her fake Liverpool address to meet him.

He questioned whether she had ever shared a bed with a male and asked if she would allow him to undress her.

He also sent messages inquiring if she was “a naughty girl” and reassured her he would be gentle if they engaged in sexual activities.

The police were alerted, and Johns was arrested.

In police interviews, Johns claimed he did not have a sexual interest in children and said he was not seeking gratification.

Nevertheless, he pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate sexually with a minor.

Johns, who remains on the sex offender register from a 2017 caution, resides in Lloyd Street.

The court imposed a suspended sentence, requiring him to undergo 30 rehabilitation sessions and remain on the sex offender list for ten years, as well as forbidding him from working with children.

The prosecution emphasised that registration requirements alone serve as a substantial punishment, underscoring the seriousness of his actions.