CASTLEFORD MAN MARK INGLETON CAUGHT IN ONLINE PREDATOR STING AT BARNSEY TOWN HALL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Mark Ingleton, a 50-year-old resident of Bradley Avenue in Castleford, was caught in a sting operation orchestrated by vigilant online citizens. The incident unfolded in April of this year when Ingleton believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old boy through an adult dating website, a platform often exploited by individuals with malicious intent.

According to the prosecution presented at Leeds Crown Court, Tony Kellbrick explained that the operation was designed to identify those attempting to contact minors. The online decoys posed as teenagers, aiming to lure potential predators into illegal meetings. Ingleton, under the impression he was chatting with a young boy, engaged in conversations that included explicit messages. He expressed a desire to kiss and sleep with the supposed minor, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual encounter.

The court was informed that Ingleton arranged to meet the supposed 15-year-old outside Barnsley Town Hall on April 18. When he arrived at the designated location, he was confronted by two men who had set up the sting and immediately contacted the police. The officers arrived promptly and detained Ingleton, who was subsequently interviewed. During questioning, he described himself as “a sad old man” seeking friendship, a statement that failed to mitigate the seriousness of his actions.

It was also revealed that Ingleton had a prior conviction related to similar conduct. In February of the same year, he was subjected to a suspended sentence and a sexual harm prevention order after attempting to meet a 13-year-old boy under comparable circumstances. Despite these previous legal measures, Ingleton continued to engage in such predatory behavior.

Ingleton ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and to two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order. His actions have once again brought to light the ongoing issues surrounding online safety and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors from exploitation.