LEON RADFORD OF NEWARK CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTER STING IN NATION'S HEARTLAND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Newark community, 47-year-old Leon Radford found himself at the center of a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunting groups. The incident unfolded over a period of nearly two weeks, during which Radford engaged in disturbing online communications with a decoy posing as a 15-year-old girl.

It all began when Radford initiated contact by sending a casual message, greeting the decoy with a suggestive 'Hi, sexy.' This seemingly innocent opening quickly escalated as Radford continued to pursue the conversation, requesting explicit photographs and engaging in sexually charged dialogue. Over the course of the interaction, which lasted from November 30 to December 12, Radford repeatedly asked for nude images, believing he was communicating with a minor.

The Nottingham Crown Court heard that Radford's online misconduct was not limited to this single decoy. Evidence presented revealed that he had also exchanged sexually explicit messages and sent indecent images to two other decoys, further highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

Following the investigation, Radford was brought before the court, where he admitted to engaging in sexual communications with a child during the specified period. The court was informed that Radford had been caught in a sting operation carried out by two prominent paedophile hunting groups, 'Big Impact' and 'Stand Together For Our Kids.' These groups had created a Facebook profile, giving it a fictitious name and claiming the girl was 15 years old, which Radford then contacted and began to chat with.

During the online exchanges, Radford made lewd comments and asked the decoy to send explicit photographs. He even posted images of a sexual nature himself. Prosecutor Hannah Whelan detailed the disturbing nature of the conversations, noting Radford's comment, 'it turns me on thinking of girls of your age.'

On December 12, authorities arrived at Radford's residence, where he was staying with friends on Devon Road. Confronted by the authorities, Radford admitted his actions, stating, 'I have been silly.' He attempted to justify his behavior by claiming the girl in the Facebook profile looked older than her age, even suggesting she 'looked 21' in her picture.

As a result of his actions, Radford was sentenced to a three-year probation order, which includes strict restrictions on any contact with girls under 16 and limitations on his internet usage. The court was informed that Radford had been in custody while awaiting sentencing, and the judge, Recorder Stephen King, emphasized that while he could have imposed a custodial sentence, he believed a probation order was a more appropriate approach.

Recorder King warned Radford that non-compliance with the court's conditions would likely result in a return to custody, stressing the importance of rehabilitation and societal safety. The court also ordered Radford to undergo regular visits with probation officers for the next sixteen days, aiming to monitor his behavior and ensure adherence to the court's directives.