MICHAEL WALSH FROM TYLDESLEY CAUGHT IN POLICE HONEY TRAP IN BOLTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Tyldesley, Michael Walsh, a 28-year-old man, was caught in a police sting operation designed to catch individuals attempting to engage in inappropriate communications with minors. The incident unfolded in October of the previous year, when officers set up a fake social media account, posing as a 13-year-old girl, to lure potential offenders.

According to Wigan magistrates, Walsh believed he was communicating with a young girl and proceeded to send explicit images and videos of himself performing lewd acts through the Kik messaging app, a platform known for its direct messaging capabilities. Despite police officers explicitly informing him that the supposed recipient was a minor, Walsh continued his attempts to engage her in sexual conversations.

During the exchange, Walsh made a disturbing comment, urging the girl not to reveal their chat history to anyone. He then persisted in requesting nude photographs, despite police officers responding that such exchanges were not possible because the girl was supposedly in school at the time. The messages revealed Walsh’s intent to pursue a sexual relationship with a minor, which he believed was real.

Walsh’s actions came to light when law enforcement officers arrested him following the sting operation. He has no prior criminal convictions, but he pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and inciting a girl aged between 13 and 15 to participate in sexual activity.

Following his plea, Walsh was released on conditional bail, with strict orders not to contact anyone under the age of 18. His case is scheduled for sentencing at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, January 30, where he will face the consequences of his actions. The community and authorities alike await the court’s decision, which aims to serve justice and reinforce the ongoing fight against online child exploitation.