RICHARD TILLBROOK FROM HARLOW SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN ESSEX

Richard Martin Tillbrook, a resident of Harlow in Essex, has recently completed his prison sentence following a conviction related to child sexual offenses. After serving six months of a twelve-month sentence, Tillbrook was released from custody, having been convicted on August 19, 2024. His case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of his crimes and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Initially, Tillbrook was targeted by Essex Police on August 25, 2023, as part of an operation conducted by the online child protection unit known as PEST 25/8. The police investigation revealed that Tillbrook had engaged in online sexual grooming, attempting to facilitate a meeting with what he believed to be a 14-year-old child. The investigation also uncovered evidence suggesting that he had discussed involving another minor known to him in similar activities. The police's efforts culminated in a sting operation at Harlow Train Station, where officers, operating undercover, were waiting for Tillbrook. Upon his arrival at the station, the officers swiftly identified him and arrested him based on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Following his arrest on October 2, 2023, Tillbrook faced public scrutiny and made multiple complaints against the volunteers from PEST 25/8, who had publicly named him after his guilty plea at Chelmsford Crown Court. Despite his protests, the authorities and the volunteers' efforts to bring his actions to light continued unabated.

Since his arrest, new developments have emerged. A second victim, a survivor of child abuse, has come forward, prompting authorities to open an additional case against Tillbrook. Support and guidance have been provided by Stacey Hunter and Steve Hunter-UK, who have been actively involved in assisting the victim and ensuring that justice is pursued. Their ongoing efforts aim to see the second case brought to a successful conclusion.

On August 19, 2024, Richard Tillbrook was formally convicted of multiple charges, including online sexual grooming of a minor and facilitating a meeting for sexual activities with a child under 16. The court sentenced him to twelve months in prison, a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and mandated that he register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, he was ordered to undertake a rehabilitation program upon his release, with his mother expressing her intention to support him through this process. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and child protection agencies to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.