NEIL CUMPTSON FROM LISKEARD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHILD IN CORNWALL

Neil Cumpston, a 74-year-old resident of Upton Cross near Liskeard in Cornwall, has been formally sentenced after being caught attempting to engage in sexual conversations with a minor through online means. The case came to light when a paedophile hunter group successfully identified and exposed his illicit intentions during an online sting operation.

In 2019, Cumpston initiated contact with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl’s social media profile. Unbeknownst to him, the profile was a fake account created by a vigilant paedophile hunter group aiming to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors. Over a period of time, Cumpston engaged in conversations with this fake profile, which he thought belonged to a young girl. During their exchanges, he asked the profile, “what she was wearing,” indicating his inappropriate interest.

Further into the communication, Cumpston sent sexual images and videos, clearly demonstrating his intent. The court heard that he also instructed the profile not to tell anyone about their interactions, emphasizing secrecy with the words, “It was their secret.” These actions underscored the seriousness of his intentions and the predatory nature of his conduct.

Following his arrest by police authorities, Cumpston was taken in for questioning. During the interview, he chose to respond with ‘no comment,’ refusing to provide any explanation or admission at that time. However, he later pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, acknowledging his guilt before the court.

At the sentencing hearing held at Truro Crown Court on March 18, Judge Robert Linford addressed the court, highlighting the gravity of Cumpston’s actions. The judge stated, “You pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communications. You sent the person a series of highly sexualised images. In fact, this was an adult who was posing as a child. You genuinely thought you were engaging in communications with a child. In your mind was the fact that you were communicating with a 12-year-old girl.”

As a result of his conviction, Cumpston was sentenced to nine months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 50 days of rehabilitation over the course of two years. The court also imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct and a ten-year registration as a sex offender. Furthermore, Cumpston was required to pay court costs amounting to £670.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and online safety groups to combat online exploitation and protect minors from predatory behavior. The authorities continue to emphasize vigilance and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to prevent such cases from escalating further.