MICHAEL NEVIN CAUGHT IN BOLDON COLLIERY CHILD GROOMING PLOT AT SUNDERLAND GREGGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Michael Nevin, a 44-year-old resident of Arnold Street, Boldon Colliery, was caught attempting to meet a young girl he believed was just 13 years old. The incident unfolded at a Greggs bakery located on Park Lane in Sunderland, where Nevin had arranged to meet what he thought was a minor girl named Robin, with whom he had been communicating online for several weeks.

Unbeknownst to Nevin, he was not meeting a child but was instead confronted by members of the Guardians of the North, a vigilant online child protection team. These individuals had been posing as the young girl on social media platforms, effectively setting a trap for individuals like Nevin who seek to exploit minors.

According to court records, Nevin was visibly shaken when he realized he was not meeting the girl but was instead facing the guardians. The confrontation took place at the busy Greggs in Sunderland’s Park Lane area, drawing attention from passersby and highlighting the seriousness of the case.

Following his arrest, authorities released messages exchanged between Nevin and the supposed minor. In one of the messages, Nevin asked, “Would u like to b treated like older lass or a girl of ur age,” indicating his intentions. He further inquired, “I mean would u like to be touched kissed and cuddled,” revealing his inappropriate motives.

During questioning, Nevin claimed that his interactions with the girl were motivated by social anxiety and boredom, asserting that he merely wanted to be friends. However, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture, with Newcastle Crown Court hearing that Nevin had discussed the possibility of her visiting his home, joking about sharing a shower and even mentioning putting on pajamas.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, a serious offence that underscores the dangers posed by online predators. Judge Bob Spragg sentenced Nevin to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. The sentence also includes mandatory rehabilitation requirements, a ten-year sexual offences prevention order, and ten years of sex offender registration.

Judge Spragg emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “There was an arrangement to meet at Greggs in Park Lane, Sunderland. You were met not, as you expected, by her, but representatives of Guardians of the North.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect minors from online predators and the importance of vigilance in the digital age.