MICHAEL DYOS FROM SOUTHWATER CAUGHT IN POLICE STING IN WEST SUSSEX

In a significant case that highlights ongoing efforts to combat online sexual offences involving minors, Michael Dyos, a resident of College Road in Southwater, West Sussex, has been sentenced to a substantial prison term. On Monday, March 17, 2025, Dyos received a sentence of two years and six months after a hearing at Lewes Crown Court, marking the culmination of a police investigation into his criminal activities.

Dyos, aged 59, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including one count of arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence involving a child, and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The court proceedings revealed that Dyos had engaged in online communications of a sexual nature with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old child. These interactions led to a planned meeting, which was ultimately thwarted by law enforcement authorities.

The incident dates back to July 8 of the previous year, when Dyos traveled from Southwater, a village near Horsham, to Littlehampton. His intent was to meet with the person he thought was a young teenager, following prior online conversations that involved sexual content. However, upon his arrival in Littlehampton, Dyos was met by police officers who had been monitoring the situation. He was promptly arrested at the scene and formally charged the following day, July 9.

It is noteworthy that Dyos was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order prior to these offences, which was designed to restrict his online activities and prevent further harm. This order remains in effect until April 2031, underscoring the long-term restrictions placed on him to protect the community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to safeguard vulnerable minors from exploitation.