LEE CAMPBELL CAUGHT IN POLICE STING IN LANGLEY PARK AND COUNTY DURHAM

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predation, Lee Campbell, a 44-year-old man from Esh Hillside, Langley Park, was caught in a police sting operation after attempting to engage in sexual communication with what he believed was a teenage girl. The incident unfolded in January of the previous year, when Campbell initiated contact on a children’s online chatroom, under the false pretense of being a 17-year-old boy. In reality, he was communicating with an undercover police officer who had set up a decoy profile to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

Campbell’s actions escalated as he sent explicit images of himself, deliberately cropping out his face, and engaged in sexually explicit messages with the decoy, who was posing as a girl named ‘Sophie’. During these exchanges, he referred to her as “hot” and even suggested they meet up once the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. His messages also included inquiries about her clothing and explicit photographs, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual encounter.

The police investigation revealed that Campbell first contacted the decoy profile on January 14, last year, claiming he was 17 years old. According to prosecutor Chris Baker, the conversation was limited initially, but by January 20, Campbell had sent a message indicating he was texting naked. When the decoy’s profile disclosed her age as 13, Campbell responded with apparent acceptance, making references to his genitalia and continuing to pursue a sexual relationship.

The court heard that Campbell’s messages grew increasingly explicit, with him asking what ‘Sophie’ was wearing and sending a nude photograph of himself. On February 2, he again expressed a desire to meet her, and a few more messages were exchanged before Campbell was arrested approximately a month later. During police interviews, he denied any wrongdoing.

At Durham Crown Court, Judge Ray Singh addressed Campbell’s actions, emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. He stated that Campbell had deliberately entered a children’s internet chatroom and genuinely believed he was communicating with a minor. The judge underscored that such offences are grave, regardless of whether a real person was involved, highlighting the potential harm and exploitation involved.

As a result of his actions, Campbell was sentenced to 24 months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in a 90-day sex offender treatment program. Additionally, Campbell will be registered on the sex offender’s register for the next ten years, and a sexual harm prevention order was issued to restrict his future conduct and protect the community from potential harm.