MARK WALL CAUGHT IN NORTH SHIELDS TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT NEWCASTLE TRAIN STATION

In February 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Mark Wall, a 31-year-old man from North Shields, North Tyneside, who was caught attempting to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor. The incident was orchestrated by vigilant paedophile hunters operating under the organization Dark Justice, which specializes in exposing adults seeking illicit contact with children online.

Wall had traveled to Newcastle Central Station, a major transportation hub in the city, with the apparent intention of meeting a 13-year-old girl for sexual purposes. He arrived at the station carrying condoms in his pocket, indicating premeditation and intent to engage in sexual activity. The court was informed that Wall believed he had been communicating with the girl via the internet, but in reality, he was speaking with members of Dark Justice, who had set up the online profile to lure him into the trap.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Wall had sent explicit images to the profile he thought belonged to the young girl. He also made inappropriate and explicit suggestions, asking if she 'wanted to have sex' and discussing potential locations where they could meet for sexual activity. These exchanges clearly demonstrated his intentions and the seriousness of his grooming behavior.

When Wall arrived at Newcastle Central Station, he was met by a member of Dark Justice, who was undercover. According to prosecutor Michael Bunch, the individual described Wall as simply standing there without attempting to flee or resist arrest. The prosecutor stated, 'He describes the defendant just standing there, he didn't try to make off or resist, he stood and waited. He said he had made a mistake and he would not have done anything.' Shortly after, law enforcement officers arrived and took Wall into custody.

Wall, who resides in North Shields, pleaded guilty in court to charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. The evidence presented indicated that Wall's communications were indicative of an intent to engage in sexual activity, with multiple postings supporting this conclusion.

In sentencing, Recorder Eric Elliott QC sentenced Wall to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to participate in a sexual offender treatment program, sign the sex offenders register, and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a period of ten years. These measures aim to monitor and prevent any future offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing risk to the community.