NIGEL WEBSDALE IN TRURO SENTENCED FOR CHILD GROOMING OFFENSES IN 2021

In May 2021, Nigel George Websdale, aged 60, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court for attempting to engage in sexual communication with what he mistakenly believed was a teenage girl. The court learned that a decoy Facebook profile was created by the child protection organization Captis Malum in January of the previous year. This profile used the alias of a 14-year-old girl named Sophie, who claimed to enjoy music, shopping, and animals.

On the morning of February 18, 2020, Websdale sent a friend request to the profile. Initially, their conversations were general, but they quickly turned sexual, with Websdale expressing sexual interest. The prosecution described his conduct as "simply disgusting" and a "depraved" attempt at grooming a young girl. Websdale encouraged Sophie to masturbate and even sent a photo of a vagina with the message, "it would help you practice."

The last contact from Websdale was on February 27, 2020. Two days later, members of Captis Malum visited his family home in Callington to confront him. Police then arrested Websdale in Newquay. During police interviews, he claimed he thought the profile was "some sort of a scam" and a "false account," believing the individual to be over 16, and that he was "simply playing along."

Judge Simon Carr described Websdale's actions as "a moment of insanity," noting his previously impeccable character. He commented on the dangers of internet access, stating, "The access to the internet is now almost limitless and people go down dark tunnels they might not have otherwise gone down." While acknowledging that the images Websdale had sent were an aggravating feature, the judge emphasized that there was no attempt to meet the supposed girl.

It was revealed that Websdale is currently working part-time as a cleaner after losing a previous management position. His defense stated he would cover any costs incurred as a demonstration of his character.

Judge Carr explained, "You chose to contact a 14-year-old girl or a person you believed to be one, and over a short period—just a couple of weeks—you communicated in a highly sexual manner, including sending an indecent image. These conversations are disturbing, especially given your belief that she was 14. However, it’s important to place each case in its proper context."

He also noted that Websdale did not request to meet the girl, which typically aggravates such cases. The judge acknowledged Websdale’s acceptance of responsibility but stated he had brought shame upon himself. Believing rehabilitation was possible and that the risk to the community could be managed, Judge Carr sentenced Websdale to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, along with a 30-day rehabilitation program.

He ordered Websdale to pay £750 in prosecution costs and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for five years. Additionally, Websdale was required to register as a sex offender.