NEIL MCTAGGART FROM BRAINTREE ADMITS GROOMING CHILD IN PAEDOPHILE HUNT AT CHELMSFORD CROWN COURT

In a significant development at Chelmsford Crown Court, Neil McTaggart, a 45-year-old music teacher residing in Braintree, has confessed to attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity. The incident, which took place between June 6 and June 16, 2017, came to light during a police operation involving a paedophile hunter group known as CSE Interceptors.

Initially scheduled to face trial on Monday, May 20, McTaggart unexpectedly changed his plea from not guilty to guilty before proceedings commenced. This change of plea was made in relation to a single count of attempting to meet a boy under the age of 16, following a period of grooming that was carried out through online communication.

The police had been alerted to McTaggart’s activities after he engaged in conversations with a decoy profile, which was part of an undercover sting operation conducted by CSE Interceptors. These groups are dedicated to identifying and apprehending individuals attempting to exploit children, often setting up fake profiles to catch offenders in the act.

McTaggart was arrested at a Tesco supermarket in Braintree after receiving information from the group, which led to his detention. Despite initially denying the allegations, he later admitted to the charges during the court hearing.

Judge Christopher Morgan, presiding over the case, adjourned proceedings for sentencing to take place on July 15. The court will determine the appropriate punishment for McTaggart at that time, with the case now officially marked as resolved in terms of his guilty plea. The outcome of the sentencing will be closely watched, given the serious nature of the offence and the community’s concern over safeguarding children from such predatory behavior.