Paedophile hunters apprehended a sexual predator seeking to engage with a child.
Michael Hawthorne engaged with a profile claiming to be a 14-year-old girl online and promptly sexualised the conversation. He requested photographs and expressed a desire to meet for the purpose of consuming alcohol and participating in sexual behaviour.
It was, in fact, a decoy profile operated by a vigilante organisation known as the kid Online Safety Team, and he was apprehended when he scheduled a meeting with the “child”. Following his release on bond, Hawthorne proceeded to abuse and intimidate a defenceless woman, resulting in his incarceration.
Newcastle Crown Court was informed that Hawthorne communicated with the fake profile in September 2021. He questioned her understanding of sexual matters and requested images.
Annelise Haugstad, the prosecutor, stated: “He communicated with her regarding a meeting, and there were discussions of sexual activity occurring either in a public lavatory or his shared residence after they purchased alcohol using her vacation funds.” He made numerous solicitations for sexual intercourse with her. He instructed that if anyone enquires about her age, they should be informed that she is 19, and that she ought to apply make-up to enhance her appearance of maturity.
Subsequent to his incarceration and parole, he entered into a brief relationship with a susceptible woman. Within two days of their initial encounter, he exploited her generosity and relocated to her residence. Miss Haugstad stated: “He declined to vacate her apartment, consumed her food, compelled her to finance drugs and alcohol, and obstructed her from socialising with friends.”
He was then removed and detained, then released on bail with a condition not to return. However, he later assaulted her and threatened to set her flat ablaze with her inside if she did not withdraw the accusations.
A 40-year-old individual, previously residing in Blyth and currently located on High Street East, Sunderland, with 55 prior convictions, admitted guilt to charges of orchestrating or facilitating a child sex offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming, assault, and witness intimidation. He was incarcerated for a duration of three years and eleven months and is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. He was also subjected to indefinite sexual harm prevention and restraining orders.
David Callan, in defence, stated: “He has experienced a challenging life and endured a difficult upbringing.” He possesses an alcohol dependence. This is his inaugural instance of committing a sexual crime. The court was informed that he has learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.