SIMON RAMSDEN FROM SMITH CAUGHT IN SHOCKING PAEDOPHILE STING IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and child exploitation, Simon Ramsden, a 54-year-old man from Smith, was caught in a covert operation conducted by a group of dedicated paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded at a tram station in Sale, Greater Manchester, where Ramsden had arranged to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl, only to be confronted by vigilant members of the North West Predator Hunters.

According to court proceedings held at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, Ramsden had initiated an online conversation with a decoy posing as a young girl. The chat, which took place in an online chatroom, quickly turned inappropriate and sexual in nature. Despite being aware that the girl was only 15 years old and having seen her photograph, Ramsden engaged in explicit exchanges. One of the messages he sent asked, “Are you wearing any underwear?” while another inquired whether she was naked. The messages grew increasingly graphic, with Ramsden asking, “Will you f*** me,” and he also sent a photo of his genitals to the decoy.

Following these exchanges, Ramsden arranged to meet the girl the following day, April 12, 2018, at the Brooklands tram stop in Sale. Unbeknownst to him, a group of paedophile hunters was waiting at the location. They filmed his arrival as he sat in his car near the station, with the footage being live streamed on Facebook. The video, which has garnered over 88,000 views, captures Ramsden denying any contact or plans to meet other young girls and includes an apology for his actions.

Ramsden, who resides on Harcourt Street in Stockport, pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming behavior during an earlier hearing. The court sentenced him to a three-year community order, requiring him to participate in a 60-hour programme approved by probation services. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 20 days of community rehabilitation as part of his sentencing.

The presiding judge, Mr. Recorder JMA Murray, clarified that the sentence was not intended as a leniency but rather as a means for Ramsden to reintegrate into society responsibly. The court also noted that Ramsden had been held in custody since his arrest for his own safety, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the importance of community protection.