MATTHEW PHAIR CAUGHT IN ASHTON BY UNDERCOVER POLICE DURING PREDATORY PLOT

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Ashton, a man named Matthew Phair, aged 38, found himself behind bars after a series of alarming online interactions with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in June 2021, when Phair engaged in a sinister attempt to groom a minor for sexual activity, only to be ultimately thwarted by an undercover police officer posing as the young girl.

Phair, who resides on Bolton Road in Ashton, faced multiple serious charges including inciting a girl to perform lewd acts, sharing indecent images, and attempting to meet the girl for sexual purposes. These charges came to light during his first court appearance at Bolton Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to all allegations, acknowledging his involvement in the crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, the court was informed of the full extent of Phair’s misconduct. It was revealed that he had initiated a conversation with a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl, known as “Chloe.” Over time, this conversation devolved into a series of inappropriate exchanges, involving lewd messages and explicit videos. Phair also asked the girl to undress and send him photographs of herself, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit her sexually.

Furthermore, he made disturbing claims about his own body, telling the girl that he wanted to have sex with her and reassuring her that there was no risk of pregnancy because he had undergone a vasectomy. These manipulative and predatory messages underscored the seriousness of his intentions.

The situation reached a critical point when Phair arranged to meet the girl face-to-face behind a local supermarket in Ashton. However, instead of meeting a minor, he was met by police officers who had been monitoring the situation. The officers swiftly arrested him at the scene, preventing any further harm.

Following his arrest, Phair was sentenced to two years in prison. In addition to his incarceration, he is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his contact with minors and prevent any future offenses of this nature. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from predatory individuals in the Ashton area.