MARK WILKINS FROM CONNAH'S QUAY CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS STING IN NORTH WALES

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Mark Wilkins, a 54-year-old man residing on Summersville Close in Connah's Quay, became the subject of a covert operation conducted by online paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded in July 2019 when Wilkins believed he was engaging in conversations with a 13-year-old girl named Shannon through Facebook Messenger. Unbeknownst to him, the individual he was communicating with was part of an online group dedicated to catching individuals attempting to exploit minors.

Wilkins initiated contact by sending explicit messages, including a lewd photograph and a video of himself performing a sexual act. He urged the supposed teenager to send him videos of her engaging in sexual activities and explicitly instructed her not to disclose their conversations to anyone. His actions demonstrated a clear intent to engage in illegal sexual conduct with a minor, and his messages reflected a disturbing level of predatory behavior.

Members of the online group monitoring these interactions decided to take action. On June 16, they arrived outside Wilkins' residence and carried out a citizens' arrest, effectively detaining him until police arrived. Law enforcement officers responded promptly to the scene and took Wilkins into custody. During his arrest, Wilkins did not deny his actions; instead, he admitted guilt by stating, “Yes, I did it, I admit it.”

At Mold Crown Court, the court proceedings revealed that Wilkins had no prior criminal convictions. However, it was also disclosed that he was a socially isolated individual who had experienced significant personal loss, including the death of his son ten years earlier. He had separated from his partner five years prior to his arrest and maintained minimal contact with his children. These personal circumstances appeared to have contributed to his vulnerability and possibly his susceptibility to engaging in such reprehensible conduct.

Legal representatives highlighted that Wilkins had “succumbed to the temptation of contacting a 13-year-old girl,” and emphasized the public humiliation he faced as a consequence of his actions. The presiding judge, Judge Rowlands, condemned Wilkins' behavior as “truly depraved and disgusting,” and criticized his lack of insight into the severity of his offences or how to address the underlying issues that led to his conduct.

Judge Rowlands further stated that Wilkins believed he was communicating with a minor and had sent messages involving explicit sexual activity, which compounded the gravity of his crimes. As a result, Wilkins was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his offences and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.