ROBERT HARCOME FROM HARCOME SENTENCED AFTER ONLINE GROOMING IN TAUNTON

In January 2019, a man identified as Robert Harcombe, aged 50 and residing in Harcombe, was brought to justice following his involvement in online grooming activities that targeted what he believed to be underage girls. The incident came to light after members of the UK database paedophile hunting team successfully identified and confronted him, leading to his subsequent court appearance in Taunton Crown Court.

Harcombe faced multiple serious charges, including three counts of causing or inciting girls aged between 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity, although no physical penetration occurred. The court was informed that Harcombe, who works as a recycling assistant manager, had engaged with several online profiles he believed belonged to at least four schoolgirls, some as young as 13 years old. His online interactions were characterized by the exchange of highly explicit messages, with the clear intent of luring the minors into sexual activities.

During these conversations, Harcombe also sent videos of himself masturbating, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. After several weeks of online communication, he arranged to meet one girl in a local woodland area. He claimed he would bring his young daughter along to the meeting, but ultimately, he made an excuse and failed to appear, raising suspicion among the investigators.

Members of the UK database team decided to take proactive steps and confronted Harcombe at his residence in Harcombe in February 2018. During the confrontation, they questioned him about his online activities. Harcombe admitted that he struggled to stop communicating with minors online and acknowledged having a problem. He expressed admiration for the paedophile hunting teams, including the UK database and Shadow Hunters, praising their efforts in capturing online child groomers.

Following his admission, the team contacted the police, who promptly arrived at Harcombe’s home and arrested him. The case was then brought before the court, where Judge handed down a sentence of six months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Harcombe was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a 20-day rehabilitation program aimed at addressing his behavior.

Furthermore, the court mandated that Harcombe register as a sex offender for a period of seven years, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing risk he posed to the community. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and volunteer groups to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory individuals like Robert Harcombe.