PHILLIP HOBSON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN HANLEY AND STOKE-ON-TRENT REVEAL DARK ONLINE PREDATOR

In a series of disturbing incidents that have shocked the communities of Hanley and Stoke-on-Trent, Phillip Hobson, a 57-year-old man with a troubling history, has been convicted and sentenced for engaging in predatory online behavior targeting minors.

Hobson's most recent conviction stems from an incident in April 2020, where he believed he was communicating with an 11-year-old girl named Milly on social media. Unbeknownst to him, the girl was actually a member of a paedophile hunter group, who had set up a fake profile to catch predators like him. Hobson had initiated contact on the social networking site Hi5, where the profile claimed to belong to an 18-year-old girl. However, the girl quickly revealed her true age of just 11.

During the chat, Hobson's messages became increasingly inappropriate. Prosecutor Tariq Shakoor detailed that on February 5, Hobson began speaking with 'Milly,' who repeatedly told him she was only 11 years old. The conversation then moved to WhatsApp, where Hobson asked her to be his girlfriend, requested nude photographs, and made explicit comments about her age, dismissing it as 'just a number.' He expressed a desire to share a bath with her and discussed meeting in Blackpool around Easter.

Hobson's messages grew more explicit, with him telling her she was 'sexy,' suggesting she wear short skirts, and expressing his wish to hold her hand, kiss her, be naked with her, and make love. The predator's intentions culminated in a meeting arrangement at a McDonald's in Longton on February 29. When Hobson arrived at the designated location, he was promptly arrested by police. He was found driving a Citroen without insurance and without a valid driving license.

During police interviews, Hobson admitted to his offenses, openly describing his sexual attraction to children and characterizing himself as 'twisted.' He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, attempting to meet a child after grooming, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, he admitted to driving without a license and without insurance.

Hobson's criminal history includes previous jail terms for similar offenses. He had served time in 2016 and 2018 for attempting to meet a child following grooming attempts. His latest sentencing was handed down by Judge David Fletcher at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, who sentenced him to two years in prison.

In a related case from February 2018, Hobson, then aged 55, was jailed for 20 months after engaging with a fake profile of a 13-year-old girl named 'Lisa,' created by the paedophile hunter group 'Justice For Kids.' Hobson had asked if she was 'up for a gang bang,' discussed staying in a B&B, and asked her to send explicit photos. He also arranged to meet her at Stoke Train Station but failed to appear. Members of the hunter group confronted him at his home, leading to his arrest. Prosecutor Jonathan Dickinson highlighted that Hobson was told immediately that 'Lisa' was only 13, yet he persisted in his predatory behavior.

Hobson's criminal record further includes a 2016 conviction for attempting to groom two 14-year-old girls online. He had sent explicit messages, asked to meet, and even sent pictures of his genitals on six occasions. He was sentenced to 13 months in prison and was placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years.

Throughout these incidents, Hobson's actions have demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior, with authorities emphasizing his high risk of reoffending. His case underscores the ongoing dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community groups working together to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.