PHILIP BLACKLOCK GROOMING PREDATOR CAUGHT IN BOLTON AND HORWICH POLICE STING

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing dangers of online grooming, Philip Blacklock, a 33-year-old man from Bolton, was caught in a police sting operation attempting to groom a minor for sexual activity. The incident unfolded when Blacklock engaged in online exchanges with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover police officer operating under the alias 'Tracey'.

Blacklock, who is a father of three children and resides on Siemens Street in Horwich, admitted to engaging in sexually charged conversations with the undercover officer. During these exchanges, he expressed a desire to meet 'Tracey' in person for the purpose of having sex. The court proceedings revealed that Blacklock had pretended to be 19 years old in order to facilitate the grooming process.

The police operation culminated on November 18 at a shopping centre in Salford, where Blacklock was arrested after he indicated he would meet 'Tracey'. The court heard that he had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual purposes, following the grooming activities.

Judge Jeffrey Lewis presided over the case at Minshull Street Crown Court and addressed Blacklock directly, stating, "I have come to the conclusion, throwing a great deal of mercy in your favour, it is not necessary to send you to prison today — only just." The judge emphasized the severity of Blacklock's actions, describing him as a predator who was actively grooming a minor with the intent of sexual contact.

In his sentencing, Blacklock was given a three-year supervised community order. The judge also ordered him to participate in a sex offenders' rehabilitation program. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Blacklock had expressed remorse, citing personal issues such as his wife’s affair and feelings of anger and loneliness as contributing factors. The court was also informed that if Blacklock were to be imprisoned, he would risk losing his family home, which added to the complexity of his sentencing.

Overall, the case underscores the persistent threat posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors from exploitation and grooming activities.