Stuart Mallen has previous convictions for sexual activity with a child at a hotel in Plymouth
A convicted paedophile travelled to St Annes to meet a 15-year-old boy he had been chatting to on Grindr.
However he was really speaking to a decoy from the 'My voluntary Online Child Protection Team', who was posing as the youngster, Preston Crown Court heard.The decoy told Mallen: "I'm new on Grindr. I'm not out as gay to many people. Plus my age - do you mind me being 15? If you do I can block you. Sorry." Mallen replied, saying: "I get that.
Mallen, of Salisbury Avenue, Knott End on Sea, was taken to a nearby police station where his phone was taken for analysis. On examination, there were 36 indecent images of children, including 19 at the most serious category A. In interview, Mallen claimed he had gone to meet the boy to advise him against meeting strangers from the internet. He said he felt "badgered" to go along and had recently had a change of medication which caused hallucinations.
The court heart the defendant has previous convictions for sexual activity with a child, who he travelled to Plymouth to meet and spent the night in a hotel with. Sara Haque, defending, said the conversation between Mallen and the decoy was "short lasting and not overtly sexual". She said the conversation started on Grindr, which is intended to be an adult platform. He thought the person he was talking to may have been role playing a younger person, she said.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pervert ex-primary school teacher jailed for having sex with girl in carJames Auchterlonie was put behind bars after the incident with a 14-year-old girl he met on Instagram.
Read more »
Disgraced ex-Celtic youth coach jail death to be probed by SheriffPervert James McCafferty, 76, died behind bars on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
Read more »
Man calls neighbour 'cat pervert' for stroking pet in wild feud caught on cameraA man was so annoyed at his neighbour for stroking his cat that he branded them a 'cat pervert' during a blazing row – and the bizarre encounter was caught on camera
Read more »
Police traced IP address to the door of teacher exposed as sick pervertPaedophile former West Yorkshire teacher Michael Pierce jailed for child sex offences after police traced the IP address to his door
Read more »
Pervert's 'ridiculous' comment after using 'Torture Galaxy'Steven Gallagher hoarded nearly 10,000 images showing 'brutal torture and extreme injuries' being inflicted
Read more »
Child sex abuse images found on pervert's phone after police raidOfficers also uncovered evidence that he had been sharing vile images with other paedophiles.
Read more »