TODD GILLESPIE FROM LYNEHAM CAUGHT IN FACEBOOK STING INVOLVING CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing dangers of online predators targeting minors, Todd Gillespie, a 22-year-old resident of Lyneham, was recently apprehended following a covert operation conducted by paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded in May 2019 when Gillespie was caught engaging in a Facebook sting designed to expose individuals attempting to solicit explicit images from minors.

Gillespie, who resides with his parents on Slessor Road in Lyneham, was found to have sent explicit images of his genitals to members of the Child Online Safety Team. Under the false pretense of being a teenage girl, he encouraged the decoys to share sexually explicit photographs with him, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit minors for sexual gratification.

The authorities revealed that Gillespie had admitted to three counts of attempting to incite girls aged 13 and 14 to engage in sexual activity. Magistrates at Swindon Magistrates’ Court imposed strict conditions on him, including a ban from using the internet and a requirement to register as a sex offender. These measures were part of the court’s response to the serious nature of his offences.

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Gillespie had been communicating with decoy accounts during the winter months. One such account was operated under the alias Laura Morgan, managed by an individual named Aimee Broomfield. Prosecutor Graham Dono explained that Gillespie initially inquired about the girl’s age, claiming he was 16 when told she was 14. He also asked if she was single, if she used Snapchat, and whether she knew what sex was.

The messages rapidly took on a sexually explicit tone, with Gillespie requesting the girl to send images of her breasts or private parts. He also told her to think of him as her “love,” further demonstrating his predatory intent. In addition, Gillespie contacted another decoy account operated by Scott Rivers, associated with the group Totnes Justice. This account was run by a 13-year-old girl, to whom Gillespie asked if she would like to see a picture of his genitals.

The final contact involved a member of the Child Online Safety Team, Mark Grant, who posed as a 14-year-old girl. During this interaction, the decoy asked Gillespie if it was acceptable for a 14-year-old to see a naked man’s picture. Gillespie responded that it was okay as long as she kept it a secret. Importantly, no photographs were exchanged during this last conversation.

On December 4, authorities from Hereford, part of the Child Online Safety Team, visited Gillespie’s home in Lyneham. They performed a citizen’s arrest and called in the police to handle the case further. Following the evidence presented, magistrates determined that the offences were too grave for them to sentence and therefore adjourned the case. Gillespie, who previously received a youth caution for sexual assault, was bailed and scheduled to appear before Swindon Crown Court on June 7 for sentencing. As part of his sentence, he is required to register as a sex offender, is prohibited from accessing the internet, and must adhere to a strict doorstep curfew, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable minors from online predators.