PATRICK MALONE FROM LINCOLN CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT WASHINGBOROUGH CHURCH

Patrick Malone, a 34-year-old resident of Pine Close, Ermine West in Lincoln, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving online predatory behavior and an attempt to meet a minor for sexual purposes. The case unfolded after Malone engaged in a series of disturbing conversations over the internet, where he believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl.

Malone’s actions came to light when a group of paedophile hunters, vigilant citizens dedicated to protecting children from online predators, tracked him down at Washingborough Church. They confronted him under the false pretense of arranging a meeting with the minor, which Malone believed was imminent. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to Malone being physically restrained and subsequently arrested by police authorities who arrived at the scene.

Investigations revealed that Malone had been actively engaging with multiple young girls, all of whom he believed to be between the ages of 12 and 14. His communications included the sending of sexually explicit images, such as a video depicting female masturbation and a naked photograph of himself, all aimed at grooming the minors and encouraging sexual activity. The authorities uncovered that Malone had contacted a total of eight individuals, each believed to be young girls, with the intent of initiating sexual encounters.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Michael Cranmer-Brown, highlighted the seriousness and persistence of Malone’s offending behavior. The evidence presented showed that Malone’s actions were highly sexualized and demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory intent, warranting a custodial sentence. Malone admitted to multiple charges, including attempting to contact a child for sexual grooming, inciting sexual activity, and exploitation.

Judge John Pini QC sentenced Malone to a prison term of two years and ten months. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The judge remarked that, although no children were physically present during the incident, Malone’s conduct over a period of three and a half months revealed a disturbing and calculated pattern of predatory behavior.

The court also heard that Malone’s online activities intensified following personal relationship issues, which appeared to have driven him further into seeking illicit interactions with minors online. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies and citizen-led paedophile hunter groups to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in online sexual exploitation of minors. Despite the thwarting of his plans at Washingborough Church, the case highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting vulnerable children from online predators.