ANDREW FISHER FROM PETERBOROUGH JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHOCKING ONLINE GROOMING PLOT

A man from Peterborough, identified as Andrew Fisher, has been sentenced to prison after attempting to engage in a sexual encounter with a minor, in a case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and child exploitation. Fisher, aged 58, was actively communicating with an undercover police officer with the intent of arranging a sexual meeting with a 14-year-old girl, demonstrating a disturbing willingness to exploit minors for his own gratification.

According to reports, Fisher had been in conversation with a woman online, who was posing as a facilitator capable of providing two 14-year-old girls for his selection. He agreed to pay a sum of £120 for a one-hour appointment with one of the girls, revealing his explicit intentions during the exchange. The woman, in reality, was an undercover officer working to prevent such crimes and to protect potential victims from predators like Fisher.

The incident was set to take place in a car park located on West Lake Avenue, Hampton, in Peterborough. On the 3rd of March, 2022, Fisher arrived at the designated meeting spot, only to be promptly arrested by police officers. During the arrest, authorities found a condom in his pocket, further confirming his intent to commit a sexual offence.

In a police interview following his arrest, Fisher admitted to the planned meeting, stating, “I did arrange to meet a child in Peterborough today to have sex; it was a distraction with what is going on in the world and in my life.” His words underscored the premeditated nature of his actions and his awareness of the criminality involved.

Fisher appeared before Huntingdon Law Courts on Monday, January 6th, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence. The court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Additionally, Fisher was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offences.

Detective Inspector George Neal commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of Fisher’s actions. “Fisher clearly poses a serious danger to children and I’m glad he is behind bars. It was very clear from the messages to our undercover officers he knew exactly what he was doing. And he got in his car and travelled to carry out a despicable crime. Thankfully, in this case, the child wasn’t real, but his vile intentions were there.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilance. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to combat such crimes, and resources are available for those seeking information or assistance regarding child abuse and online exploitation. For more details, visit the dedicated child protection web page. Anyone concerned about potential offenders or individuals with a history of sex offences can also apply for disclosure information through Sarah’s Law, which helps protect vulnerable children from known predators.