PHILIP SAICH CAUGHT IN COMPTON POLICE STING TARGETING CHILD ABUSE

In August 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Philip Saich, a 65-year-old resident of Westfields, Compton, who was apprehended following a police operation aimed at combating child exploitation. The incident revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior, with Saich boasting about his attempts to stalk and abuse young girls in the vicinity of his home, including at a water park and near Girl Guide Brownies. His actions and online conversations exposed a disturbing obsession with children as young as four, which he believed to be 'natural,' according to court records.

Saich's arrest was the culmination of an undercover police sting, where he engaged in online chats with an officer posing as 'Kevin.' During these exchanges, Saich expressed his intent to travel to Cambridgeshire to sexually assault a supposed 10-year-old girl named Chloe. The police had set a trap, and Saich was caught planning the assault, revealing his serious intent and eagerness to carry out the crime. He discussed the need to hide his plans from his partner, referred to as 'the missus,' and claimed he had car trouble at the last minute to avoid suspicion, although evidence suggested his intentions were genuine.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sanks detailed the extent of Saich's depravity, highlighting messages in which Saich described in graphic terms the abuse he wanted to inflict on the child. Saich had also sought out websites promoting incestual abuse, further illustrating his disturbing mindset. During the investigation, police raided his home and discovered nearly 2,000 indecent images of children on his electronic devices. Saich's defense acknowledged that he had 'spiraled downwards' into a state of depravity, indicating a recognition of his actions' severity.

Saich's online communications included sharing photographs of naked children and bragging about watching young girls change and undress at a water park near his residence. He explicitly requested that Chloe be dressed in a school uniform during the abuse, revealing a disturbing fixation on specific scenarios. The court heard that Saich admitted to attempting to arrange sexual activity with a child and possessing a large collection of indecent images, with offenses spanning from February 5 to April 16, 2020.

Judge Emma Nott sentenced Saich to four years in prison, with half of that term to be served behind bars, minus the time he has already spent in remand. The remaining sentence will be served on license in the community, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses. The case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable children from predators like Saich.