ADAM RICHARDSON CAUGHT IN NEWCASTLE BY DARK JUSTICE AFTER ONLINE PREDATION PLOT
In June 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in Newcastle involving Adam Richardson, a 27-year-old man whose actions drew the attention of vigilant online crime fighters.Members of the organization Dark Justice had been tipped off about Richardson’s online conversations with young people, prompting them to take covert action by sending him a friend request through Facebook using a profile of an underage girl.
Richardson, who resides in Burness, West Denton, Newcastle, engaged in explicit and inappropriate sexual conversations with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.
Despite being explicitly told her age, Richardson continued to exchange messages that included discussions about sexual activity and the need for secrecy.
Prosecutor David Crook revealed that Richardson had arranged to meet the girl with the intent of engaging in physical contact, specifically mentioning kissing and cuddling, and even discussing sex and precautions about pregnancy.
The court heard that Richardson’s intentions at their first meeting remain somewhat unclear, but it was evident that he intended to meet the girl and possibly engage in sexual activity.
The conversations indicated a clear desire for intimacy, with Richardson expressing plans to bring alcohol and suggesting they could meet to cuddle and kiss.
The discussions also included more explicit topics, with Richardson talking about having sex and being cautious about pregnancy risks.
During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, Richardson pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
The judge addressed Richardson directly, emphasizing that he was aware of her age but continued to pursue the meeting.
The judge stated, “It was stated she was 13 years of age.
Undeterred, you asked her to meet you and said you would bring alcohol with you and you went on to say you wanted to cuddle and kiss her.
There was also conversation about having sex and about having to be careful if she got pregnant.” The judge acknowledged that while it was not entirely clear what specific sexual activity Richardson had in mind, it was evident that he intended for sexual contact to occur if the meeting took place.
The court also noted that Richardson posed a “high risk” of sexual offending.
However, experts concluded that he could be managed and treated effectively within the community setting.
As part of his sentence, Richardson was given a 16-month prison term, suspended for two years, coupled with requirements for rehabilitation and participation in relevant programs.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for ten years and must adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offending.
