MALCOLM FRANKS FROM CHESTERTON CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTS AFTER PLEA FOR SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In August 2018, Malcolm Franks, a man residing in Chesterton, became the subject of a police investigation after being caught in a sting operation conducted by paedophile hunters. The case revealed disturbing details of his attempts to engage in sexual activities with a minor, which ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

It all began when Franks initiated contact with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl through a fake online profile created by the paedophile hunters. Described as a ‘loner’ by those involved in the operation, Franks began communicating with the decoy, who was posing as a young girl. Over the course of a week, he persistently asked her for sex, encouraged her to perform a sexual act on herself, and repeatedly requested that she send him explicit photographs of herself. In response, he sent her a photograph of his private parts, further demonstrating his intent.

The Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Franks then made arrangements to meet the girl for an overnight stay in Swansea. However, he failed to appear at the designated meeting point. The following day, law enforcement officers arrested him at his home in Chesterton. The arrest marked the culmination of an investigation into his online activities.

Prosecutor Richard McConaghy detailed the exchanges during the court hearing. He explained that Franks had asked the girl for a photograph of her in a school uniform and then proceeded to inquire if she wanted to have sex with him. The girl, aware of her age, pointed out that she was only 14. Despite this, Franks continued to focus on her age, repeatedly returning to the topic of her being 14. The court was told that he asked if sex would hurt and claimed he would be gentle. He also suggested that she come to Stoke-on-Trent or that he could come to her, even asking if she would wear a nightie to bed for him. At one point, he proposed they could shower together and again pressed for sexual activity.

Throughout these exchanges, the girl expressed concern, asking, “Are you sure 14-year-olds can do this? Can I trust you?” To which Franks responded affirmatively with, “Yes babe.” He also requested naked photos of her and sent her a picture of himself with his private parts exposed, further evidencing his predatory intent.

Malcolm Franks, aged 54, of Walton Place, Chesterton, pleaded guilty to three charges: attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to communicate sexually with a child. His sentencing included a three-year community order, requiring him to complete a sex offender rehabilitation program, a 15-day activity requirement, and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally, Franks was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from deleting his internet browsing history and from communicating with anyone under the age of 16. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years.

Judge David Fletcher addressed Franks directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, “This was not someone searching for sexual images. This was someone entering into a discussion with a 14-year-old. You know at the age of 54, a girl of 14 is a child. You were not to know this was not really a 14-year-old girl. You cannot, and must not believe, that what you were doing was any less serious because this was not a real person at the other end.”

The judge further condemned Franks’ behavior, describing it as “completely unhealthy” and highlighting the serious consequences of his actions. He warned that such behavior has led to significant legal repercussions and stressed the importance of community involvement in rehabilitation. Franks was reminded that he is 40 years older than the girl he believed he was speaking to online, underscoring the disturbing nature of his predatory conduct.