WINGATE MAN STEVEN ALLAN CAUGHT IN ONLINE PREDATION SCHEME BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Steven Allan, a resident of Wingate, was caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The incident dates back to July 2020, when Allan engaged in a series of inappropriate and explicit online communications with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl.

Allan, then 40 years old, initiated contact through the dating platform Skout, using a fabricated profile that claimed he was 21 years old and employed a false photograph to conceal his true identity. Over the course of their conversations, Allan gradually escalated the sexual nature of his messages, sending graphic photographs and encouraging the supposed minor to perform sexual acts. He explicitly expressed a desire to meet the girl in person, further demonstrating his intent to engage in illegal activity.

The paedophile hunters, known as Guardians of the North, had created the fake profile to lure and catch individuals attempting to exploit minors online. During the investigation, they arranged a meeting with Allan to verify his identity and gather evidence for law enforcement authorities. The group’s efforts proved successful, leading to Allan’s arrest.

Following his detention, Allan was taken into custody and questioned by police. During his interview, he admitted to communicating with numerous individuals online out of loneliness, acknowledging the wrongfulness of his actions and expressing remorse. He confessed to attempting to engage in sexual conversations with a minor, inciting a child to participate in sexual activities, and facilitating a child sex offence.

Allan’s legal proceedings took place at Newcastle Crown Court, where the prosecution outlined the details of his conduct. The court heard that Allan had been on remand for nearly a year prior to sentencing. Judge Edward Bindloss subsequently handed down a sentence that included a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in a sex offender treatment programme. Additionally, Allan was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years, reflecting the serious nature of his offences and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.