RALPH PEEBLES FROM AXBRIDGE CAUGHT IN POLICE STING IN BROWN BUT WALKS FREE

In a case that has raised concerns about online safety and justice, Ralph Peebles, a 54-year-old resident of Barnabas Close in Axbridge, was involved in a disturbing online grooming attempt targeting a 13-year-old girl. The incident unfolded over a period of four months, during which Peebles-Brown engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the young girl and sent her numerous images depicting child abuse. His actions also included calling her mobile phone with the intent of arranging a face-to-face meeting in London, highlighting the seriousness of his predatory behavior.

Unbeknownst to Peebles-Brown, he was communicating with an undercover investigator from the Metropolitan Police, part of a specialized unit dedicated to combating online child exploitation. This covert operation was instrumental in gathering evidence against him. When the case was brought before Taunton Crown Court, Peebles-Brown pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including one count of attempted grooming, one count of distributing indecent images of children, seven counts of making indecent images, and two counts of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

His sentencing revealed a complex picture. Although he was sentenced to 15 months in prison, the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, Peebles-Brown was subjected to a 10-year Sexual Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO), which imposes strict restrictions on his activities and movements. He is also required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Geoff Colvin of Avon and Somerset Police’s Internet Child Abuse Team provided insight into the case. He explained that Peebles-Brown initially sought to contact an underage girl through social media platforms. Once contact was established, he began grooming her, encouraging increasingly sexual conversations, and ultimately planning to meet her in London on October 6, 2012. However, due to running late, he failed to attend the meeting but sent an apology the following day, along with more indecent material.

The investigation was further supported by the Metropolitan Police, who provided crucial evidence, including digital files. When Peebles-Brown was arrested on October 17, 2012, authorities seized his computer equipment, uncovering over 200 indecent images and videos. The case underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable children from predators. Detective Colvin emphasized the importance of collaboration between local and national police units, highlighting that such joint efforts are vital in bringing offenders like Peebles-Brown to justice and making the internet a safer environment for all.