ALEXANDER BUDD CAUGHT IN PRESTON TRYING TO MEET TEEN GIRLS FOR SEX
In December 2022, a disturbing case unfolded in Preston involving Alexander Budd, a 41-year-old sound engineer from Westway Court, Fulwood.Budd was actively attempting to arrange sexual encounters with underage girls, specifically targeting teenagers he believed to be 14 years old.
His actions came to light when he was caught in a sting operation conducted by paedophile hunters, who had set up fake profiles to lure predators.
According to reports, Budd engaged in online conversations with two decoy profiles named 'Maddie' and 'Abi,' both claiming to be 14-year-old girls.
During these exchanges, he expressed a clear intent to pay for sex, initially offering £200 to Maddie and later increasing his offer to £550 if she could choose the outfit she would wear.
He also inquired about sending sexual photographs and suggested he would rent a flat in Manchester to facilitate their meeting.
When speaking to 'Abi,' who was actually the same decoy, Budd claimed he lived nearby in Preston and sent her a map to the meeting location, planning to meet her at his flat after tidying up.
His plans were thwarted when he arrived at the designated meeting point near the Co-op on Garstang Road, Fulwood, where he was confronted by a member of the paedophile hunting group.
The group immediately contacted the police, leading to Budd's arrest.
During police questioning, he admitted to going to meet a teenage girl but insisted they were only going for a walk around Moor Park.
However, the investigation revealed much more troubling details.
Officers seized Budd's phone, uncovering a history of predatory behavior dating back to April 2020.
In these messages, Budd was asking a man to find a girl for sex, claiming he preferred petite brunettes and specifying details such as dress size and height.
The man claimed to have 87 girls aged between 14 and 18 in Manchester willing to engage for money, with Budd initially offering £400 and later haggling to £550, including outfits for the girl.
Budd was shown photographs of potential girls but later told police he believed the man was a scammer.
Judge Philip Parry, presiding over the case, described Budd's conduct as 'utterly despicable' and expressed his disgust at the behavior.
Prosecutor Stephen Parker highlighted that in May 2021, Budd had been communicating with 'Maddie,' who told him she was 14.
During these conversations, Budd asked if she would send sexual photos and if she wanted to make money, explicitly asking if she wanted to 'f*** me.' The decoy explained she had never had sex before and lived in Ipswich, prompting Budd to suggest renting a flat for their meeting.
Following his arrest on June 6, 2021, Budd faced serious charges.
He pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and three counts related to arranging or facilitating child sexual offenses.
In his sentencing, Judge Parry sentenced him to six years in prison, imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and mandated that he be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups to combat online predation and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.
