HOLMFIRTH MAN SIMON NIELSEN CAUGHT IN POLICE STING TRYING TO ENGAGE WITH UNDERAGE BOY IN HUDDERSFIELD

In a significant law enforcement operation, Simon Nielsen, a 30-year-old resident of Lower Holme, House Annexe, Holme House Lane, New Mill, Holmfirth, was apprehended after attempting to engage in inappropriate conversations with an undercover officer posing as a teenage boy online. The incident took place in Huddersfield and was part of an undercover initiative known as Reveal, conducted by the Regional Organised Crime Unit.

According to court records, Nielsen pleaded guilty to two serious charges during a hearing at Kirklees Magistrates' Court. The first charge relates to his attempt on January 22, 2019, to communicate with a person identified as 'Jack,' who was under the age of 16, with the intent of obtaining sexual gratification. The second charge pertains to the possession of a prohibited image of a child, which was discovered at his residence.

Prosecutor Bill Astin detailed the case, explaining that the operation was designed to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors online. During the online exchange, Nielsen claimed to be 28 years old and expressed a desire for 'fun.' The conversation quickly shifted to sexual topics, during which Nielsen sent a graphic image of his genitals to the undercover officer posing as a teenage boy.

Further attempts to contact Nielsen were made on February 6 and 8, 2020, but he failed to respond to subsequent messages. Police also conducted a search of his home and found an indecent image, described by Mr. Astin as a cartoon resembling a six-year-old child, which was deemed to be a prohibited image.

Following his guilty plea, the court ordered Nielsen to report to Huddersfield Police Station within three days to notify officers of his conviction for sexual offences. He was granted unconditional bail and scheduled to appear before Leeds Crown Court on April 15 for sentencing. Nielsen was represented by Sonia Kidd during the proceedings, and the case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online exploitation and protect minors from abuse.