LEE COURTNEY CAUGHT IN ONLINE STING IN NORTH BRINK, WISBECH

In a case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Lee Courtney, a 30-year-old resident of North Brink in Wisbech, was brought before magistrates in Peterborough following his involvement in a disturbing online investigation. The incident unfolded when Courtney engaged in conversations that revealed his inappropriate interest in children, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover police officer.

According to court records, Courtney had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children. The court heard that between January 1 and May 19, 2020, he had produced a total of 43 images, including four of the most serious Category A, two of Category B, and 37 of Category C. Prosecutor Micaila Williams emphasized that although the number of images was relatively low and some duplicates were present, the nature of Courtney’s conduct was deeply concerning and warranted serious attention.

The investigation revealed that Courtney used the online pseudonym Pervdad90 to communicate with an undercover officer. Over the course of a single day, he engaged in messaging for approximately 12 hours, during which he shared disturbing content and exchanged further messages on a more secure platform. These exchanges prompted law enforcement to believe that offences had indeed taken place, leading to his swift arrest on May 19 of the previous year.

During his arrest, Courtney was heard to tell his wife, “I’ve done something stupid online,” indicating his awareness of the gravity of his actions. During police interviews, he admitted to discussing the explicit content but claimed it was merely fantasy and an attempt to garner attention from the person he believed he was communicating with. Further investigation into his internet search history uncovered additional incriminating evidence, reinforcing the seriousness of his conduct.

In sentencing, Courtney received a custodial term of 26 weeks for each of the three offences, though these were suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities as part of a community order. Financial penalties included a victim surcharge of £128 and costs amounting to £85. To protect the public and prevent future offences, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, and Courtney was mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.