TONY O'NEILL FROM MIDDLESBROUGH CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD BOY IN SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATION PLOT

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through Middlesbrough, Tony O'Neill, a 45-year-old local businessman and owner of an escape room enterprise featuring themes from Peaky Blinders and Hogwarts, was caught attempting to meet a minor after a series of illicit online exchanges. The incident unfolded after O'Neill engaged in a series of messages with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy, which he had initiated through Snapchat following initial contact on FabGuys, a dating platform for gay men over 18.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Saba Shan detailed the extent of the conversations, which spanned nearly two weeks in May of the previous year. O'Neill's initial contact was made on FabGuys, but the dialogue quickly shifted to Snapchat, where the decoy, known as J, revealed his true age of 14. Despite J's explicit declaration of being underage, O'Neill continued to exchange messages, expressing admiration for J's piercing blue eyes and even contemplating asking him out if he were older.

Throughout their exchanges, O'Neill shared explicit images, including a naked photograph he sent to J, claiming it was a 'safe way to tease you.' He also described J as not being a 'daft kid,' indicating a recognition of his youth but still engaging in inappropriate and illegal conversations. The messages included flirtatious comments and discussions about meeting in person, with O'Neill expressing a desire to see J face-to-face.

On the day he planned to meet the decoy, O'Neill was arrested at his workplace in Middlesbrough. He was detained by authorities after arranging the meeting, which he believed was with a minor. During questioning, O'Neill claimed he thought the child needed help but also admitted to experiencing a 'thrill from knowing he still had it,' revealing a disturbing element of gratification from the situation.

O'Neill faced charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual purposes. Although he had no prior convictions, his actions resulted in the revocation of his pharmacist registration and the loss of his employment. The court heard that his behavior was serious enough to warrant significant legal consequences.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was mandated to participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities. A sexual harm prevention order was imposed, and O'Neill is required to notify authorities of any relevant changes for the next ten years. Judge Jonathan Carroll emphasized the severity of the offenses, highlighting the grooming and explicit discussions with a decoy posing as a minor, underscoring the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.