MICHAEL CONLON FROM SWILLINGTON JAILED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN LEEDS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Swillington and the wider Leeds area, Michael Conlon, a 33-year-old police officer, has been sentenced to prison after being caught in a covert operation orchestrated by fellow law enforcement officials. The incident unfolded when a colleague from the Metropolitan Police set up an online sting, posing as a 14-year-old girl in an internet chat room, aiming to expose any potential predators.

Conlon, who was serving with West Yorkshire Police and based in Killingbeck, believed he was engaging with a teenage girl for the purpose of sexual grooming. Over a period of six months, starting from February of the previous year, he repeatedly contacted the fake profile named 'Shelley 14' on the social networking site FaceParty. During these interactions, he used aliases such as 'Wingnut79' and 'Man in uniform69,' and his messages grew increasingly inappropriate and disturbing.

He inquired about her virginity, expressed a desire to obtain her phone number, and requested explicit photographs after she disclosed her age. The police investigation revealed that Conlon was not only attempting to groom the fictitious girl but also had plans to meet a real 15-year-old girl with whom he intended to have sexual relations. Despite arranging to meet her in Knaresborough, the meeting never took place, as the girl did not show up.

Prosecutor Kevin Jones explained during the trial that Conlon had falsely claimed to the girl that he was a police officer, a tactic that made her feel safe and more willing to communicate with him. This manipulation was part of his grooming strategy, exploiting his position and the trust associated with his role as a police officer.

The police raid on Conlon’s residence in Swillington, specifically on Primrose Hill Drive, occurred last August. During the search, authorities discovered a disturbing collection of 370 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young girls, some as young as five years old. These illicit materials had been downloaded onto his computer over a span of three years, highlighting a prolonged pattern of depraved behavior.

Conlon’s defense attorney, Paul Greaney, acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “This defendant has ruined his life. He has lost his career as a police officer.” However, the court was clear in its judgment. Judge Peter Collier QC, the Recorder of Leeds, sentenced Conlon to two and a half years in prison. The judge emphasized the aggravating factor that Conlon exploited his police uniform and authority to gain the trust of his victims and potential victims.

Conlon, who had served five years with West Yorkshire Police, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making and possessing indecent images, attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, and arranging to meet a child after grooming her. As part of his sentence, his name will be entered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct and status.