NICHOLAS SLOCOMBE FROM BRIDGWATER CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE PAEDOPHILE PLOT
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bridgwater, Nicholas Slocombe, aged 58, was found to have engaged in highly inappropriate and illegal online activities involving a supposed underage girl.The incident came to light after an undercover police operation in 2018, during which officers posed as a 13-year-old girl in an online chat room, aiming to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.
Slocombe, a resident of Square Road in Bridgwater, appeared before Taunton Crown Court on Friday, January 25, to face charges that included attempting to engage in sexual conversations with a girl believed to be under 16, as well as possessing extreme pornographic material.
The court was informed that he had admitted to these charges, which also involved the possession of videos and photographs depicting children and acts of bestiality.
Prosecutor Alistair Haggerty detailed the extent of Slocombe’s misconduct, revealing that in March of the previous year, he had sent sexually explicit messages to what he thought was a 13-year-old girl.
He had also requested an image of her, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship with a minor.
The court heard that Slocombe later attempted to arrange a meeting, explicitly stating he knew “what he would like to do to her,” which underscored the predatory nature of his actions.
Further investigation revealed that when police arrested Slocombe in July, he attempted to hide a Motorola mobile phone from officers.
This device contained a chat history with the undercover officer, as well as ten indecent images and videos of children, along with extreme pornographic content, including material involving animals.
During his police interview, Slocombe claimed that “curiosity got the better of him,” expressing feelings of disgust and shame about his conduct.
He admitted to being aware that his actions were wrong and acknowledged that he was ashamed of what he had done.
He also mentioned that he had received similar images from others but had never deleted them.
Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case, delivered a stern warning about the impact of such crimes, stating, “It is people like you that cause such young children to be abused.
If it wasn’t for perverted individuals like you who get pleasure looking at young girls being sexually abused then there would not be a need for this filth.” The judge sentenced Slocombe to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, emphasizing the seriousness of his offenses.
Additionally, he was ordered to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities, complete 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay a total of £415 in costs and victim surcharge.
The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the Motorola device involved in the case.
Earlier, on January 3, Slocombe had pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates Court to five counts, including attempting to coerce a minor for sexual purposes and possessing extreme indecent images, which included bestiality and material involving children.
He was remanded in custody and scheduled for sentencing at the Crown Court, where a more comprehensive penalty was imposed for his actions.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators like Nicholas Slocombe from Bridgwater.
