VASILE LEHACI CAUGHT IN WIDNES AFTER ONLINE PREDATOR PLOT
In a disturbing case that unfolded in Widnes, a man named Vasile Lehaci was caught attempting to meet a minor after engaging in online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.The incident, which took place earlier this year, highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and dedicated groups to combat online grooming and child exploitation.
Lehaci, aged 27 and residing on Froghall Lane in Warrington, initiated contact with a decoy account operated by a paedophile hunting group called ‘Predator Closure’.
This organization creates fake profiles on social media platforms, posing as young children to identify and catch predators.
Over a two-week period, Lehaci exchanged messages with the fake profile, which was pretending to be a girl named ‘Lily’.
According to prosecutor Kate Gaskell, the messages included inappropriate and suggestive language.
Lehaci referred to ‘Lily’ as ‘sweet and sexy’, asked her for a kiss that was to be kept a secret, and requested a naked photograph.
These exchanges indicated a clear intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, prompting the group to arrange a meeting in Widnes.
Initially, the plan was to meet at a bus station, but the location was later changed to a Morrisons supermarket within the town.
When Lehaci arrived at the designated meeting point on April 13, he was not greeted by ‘Lily’.
Instead, he was confronted by a member of the paedophile hunting group who had been monitoring the situation.
The confrontation was recorded on video, capturing Lehaci’s reaction and questioning about his purpose for being there.
Faced with the presence of law enforcement, Lehaci was informed that police would be contacted.
He attempted to walk away, and despite efforts to detain him, he managed to break free and fled the scene.
The following day, Lehaci voluntarily surrendered himself at Warrington Police Station.
Lehaci, who is originally from Romania and has no prior criminal record, appeared in court via videolink from HMP Altcourse.
The proceedings were translated through an interpreter, and he was represented by solicitor Mark Lever.
The defense highlighted Lehaci’s guilty pleas and noted that his surrender to police was a sign of remorse, which they argued should be taken into account.
Judge Sophie McKone sentenced Lehaci to a total of 12 months in prison.
The sentence covered charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to communicate sexually with a minor.
The judge emphasized the gravity of Lehaci’s actions, stating that he had told the fake ‘Lily’ she was beautiful and sexy, asked for naked pictures, and insisted on keeping their interactions secret.
She further explained that Lehaci’s attempt to meet the decoy was a serious offense, and his fleeing from police was an act of self-preservation rather than remorse.
The judge expressed concern over the potential harm that could have been caused had he actually met a real 14-year-old girl.
As part of his sentence, Lehaci was also handed a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses of a similar nature.
