SUDBURY BUILDER MICHAEL HOLTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL CHAT WITH PAEDOPHILE HUNTER POSE AS 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Sudbury, a local builder named Michael Holton has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being caught engaging in sexually explicit online conversations with an individual posing as a 12-year-old girl. The incident was uncovered during an operation conducted by a paedophile hunter group, which had set up a fake online profile to expose adults seeking illicit encounters with minors.

Over the course of approximately one month, Holton, aged 37, exchanged numerous messages with the fake profile named "Lucy." During these exchanges, he discussed the possibility of having sex and even suggested meeting her in a hotel. The conversations, which were scrutinized in Ipswich Crown Court, revealed a clear pattern of persistent and increasingly sexualized communication. Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Holton’s actions, stating, "It’s clear from the conversation in chat logs that your contact was undoubtedly persistent and rapidly became sexualised."

The investigation revealed that the Facebook account used to communicate with Holton featured a picture of "Lucy" and was specifically created by members of a group dedicated to exposing adults attempting to engage in sexual activities with children. The account’s details, including chat logs, were handed over to police by the group, providing crucial evidence in the case. These logs included Holton’s suggestion to meet "Lucy" at a hotel for sexual purposes.

Holton’s arrest occurred after he arrived at the Mill Hotel in Sudbury on December 29, believing he was going to meet a woman named "Gemma," who was falsely presented as being in her twenties. In reality, "Gemma" was a fictitious persona created by the paedophile hunters. Holton, who has no fixed address, admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and trying to incite a girl under 13 years of age into sexual activity.

Following his conviction, Holton was not only sentenced to a prison term but also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community groups working together to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.