Connor Churchill targeted two individuals whom he believed were responsible for protecting minors on the messaging platforms Kik and Snapchat. He either requested to engage in child abuse himself or expressed a desire to observe others committing such heinous acts against the young victims.
There was even a plan to meet someone at a service station on the M62 where he could harm their eight-year-old niece, although Churchill found excuses not to go.
According to Leeds Crown Court, it was revealed that both profiles were operated by undercover police officers who were pretending to be paedophiles. Churchill, aged 24, pleaded guilty to two charges of soliciting a child sex offence and three charges of possessing obscene photos of child abuse, which were discovered on his Samsung phone.
Prosecutor Ayman Khokhar stated that in July 2022, he initiated communication through the Internet, expressing his desire to connect with those with similar unconventional interests. He preferred girls ranging in age from six to 14, but said that he was willing to consider others as well.
Following the officer’s proposal of his imaginary eight-year-old niece, a meeting was scheduled at Hartshead Moor Services.
In addition, he engaged in communication with another officer on the Kik messenger app after informing Churchill about his possession of a seven-year-old daughter. Churchill, currently residing at Clog Mill Gardens in Selby but previously lived in Micklefield, engaged in a conversation about engaging in sexual activity with the girl. However, he consistently found excuses to avoid meeting up.
On October 11, 2022, he was apprehended and told the officers: “I would never have executed the plan.” I require assistance. The individual’s mobile device contained five photographs classified as Category A, which is the most severe classification, one image classified as Category B and six images classified as Category C.
He persistently asserted that he had no sexual inclination towards minors. In court, Celine Kart stated that he refrained from attending the meet-ups. He provided multiple justifications. He withdrew from them.
He feels an intense sense of regret. He feels humiliated. He harbours a strong aversion towards his actions and feels a deep understanding of self-loathing. He is unafraid to confront and acknowledge his offensive actions. He is beginning on a challenging and intricate path.
Judge Andrew Stubbs KC considered the defendant’s regret, absence of prior criminal records, and the fact that he withdrew from the meetings. However, the judge sentenced him to a five-year prison term, imposed a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) on him, and required him to be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life.