PAEDOPHILE HUNTER STING CATCHES MAN PLANNING TO BUY BIKINI FOR TEENAGE GIRL
A sting operation conducted by a paedophile hunter group resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old man who attempted to buy a bikini for a child and arrange a visit to the swimming baths.Alexander Park, residing on Old Chester Road in Tranmere, was targeted by the group, called STOP, which used a decoy profile of a 13-year-old girl named Holly Bainbridge.
The group, operating the fake account, received communications from Park in which he expressed a desire to be "washed" by the girl and to "touch her bottom." Prosecutor Ben Berkson informed the court that Park sent up to 20 images to the decoy account, including one nude photo that was not explicit.
He also exchanged thousands of messages with the profile, which responded with stock images.
Berkson added that Park had planned two meetings with the decoy in Birkenhead in January.
The first was supposed to happen at Birkenhead Park but was ultimately called off.
The second was arranged for Conway Park station, where Park intended to meet the fictional girl before going to Europa Pools swimming baths.
The court heard of his desire to "hold hands" and "touch her on the bottom," and his wish to be "washed by her while naked." Messages indicated Park wanted to be perceived as a carer figure and expressed an interest in physical intimacy.
Judge Eric Lamb noted Park’s apparent eagerness for the girl to expose herself sexually, describing his messages as revealing an "anxiety" about her genital exposure.
Following his arrest in March, officers discovered online searches related to Europa Pools, purchasing a bikini for a girl, and obtaining student bus passes.
Park failed to show for the planned encounter and denied any intention of taking her swimming, claiming he was aware he was being set up.
He also blocked the decoy’s number after the second planned meet.
During defense, Brendan Carville argued that Park was intoxicated during the attempt to arrange the meeting and suffered from mental health issues.
He characterized the case as a tragic example of an individual feeling lonely, which led to his behavior.
Carville explained that Park suffered from depression, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy, describing him as being in poor health and with limited mobility.
Judge Lamb summarized the sentence, citing Park’s genuine remorse but condemning his persistent pursuit of the decoy, including early morning calls.
The judge highlighted Park’s indifference to the age difference when confronted.
Pleading guilty to the charges, Park was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to two years and four months imprisonment.
