ALAN BOULTER CAUGHT IN GRIMSBY BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD FOR SEX
In February 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in Grimsby involving the apprehension of a man who believed he was about to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor.The individual, identified as Alan Boulter, aged 52, was caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters who aimed to expose individuals seeking to exploit children.
According to court proceedings, Boulter had arranged to meet a 13-year-old girl at Grimsby railway station, having offered to pay her £50 for sex.
Unbeknownst to him, the girl did not exist; she was a fictitious persona created by the vigilantes who had set up fake profiles under the names Shannon and Chloe to lure potential offenders.
The operation was live-streamed on Facebook, capturing the moment of confrontation and serving as a warning to others.
Prosecutor Megan Rhys told Grimsby Crown Court that Boulter had been attempting to meet a girl he believed was named Chloe, with whom he had been communicating via Facebook between November 21 and December 20.
The girl, however, was a trap set by the paedophile hunters, who had created the fake profile to catch predators.
Boulter traveled to Grimsby railway station, where he was met by two vigilantes who confronted him and recorded the encounter, broadcasting it live on social media.
The incident drew immediate concern from a neighbour of Boulter, who, alarmed by his intentions, contacted the police.
Authorities responded swiftly, visiting Boulter’s home after viewing the live stream.
The vigilantes also handed over a disk containing the internet conversations to the police, which proved crucial in the investigation.
During police interviews, Boulter admitted to exchanging messages in a Facebook chatroom with the girl he believed was 13, named Shannon.
He acknowledged that their conversations had become sexual in nature.
He claimed that once she revealed her age, he was no longer interested in pursuing any sexual activity.
Boulter also engaged in a week-long chat with another girl named Chloe, whom he believed was in a care home in Doncaster.
He later claimed that he received a call from Chloe, saying she was running away and was at Grimsby railway station, frightened and seeking help.
He stated that his sole intention was to take her home, asserting to the court that he did not have sexual intentions and that the girl was scared, especially since it was dark.
However, the evidence from the disk revealed that Boulter’s true motive was to find a female willing to meet him for sexual purposes, offering money and discussing explicit activities.
He asked invasive questions and suggested acts he wanted to perform, instructing her not to tell anyone because it was illegal.
He promised to pay her £50 and arranged to meet her at the station, emphasizing that she should only come if she was willing.
Legal representatives for Boulter, Julia Baggs, highlighted that he had cooperated with police, made admissions, and understood the gravity of his actions.
She noted that Boulter, a former lorry driver with no prior convictions, had worked in security for 16 years and expressed remorse for his conduct.
She emphasized that there was no actual victim involved in this case.
Judge Mark Bury delivered a stern judgment, condemning Boulter’s actions.
He stated, “It’s no thanks to him, though.
He did everything he could to meet a 13-year-old girl.” The judge detailed that Boulter had traveled to Grimsby railway station with the intent to meet a vulnerable child for sexual activity, believing she was running away from a care home.
The confrontation was caught on film, revealing Boulter’s willingness to engage in illegal acts.
While no physical harm was caused, the judge emphasized the seriousness of Boulter’s intentions.
“You were prepared to have sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl, possibly more than one,” he said.
The court found that Boulter’s actions were predatory and criminal, despite the fact that the girl was a fake persona.
As a result, Boulter was sentenced to 20 months in prison, and he was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for a decade, underscoring the gravity of his misconduct and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
