ANDREW MAUND AND SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION IN NEWCASTLE AND HEBBURN
Andrew Maund, a resident of Hebburn, found himself at the center of a disturbing case involving online misconduct aimed at what he believed were underage girls in the Newcastle area.Maund thought he was engaging in conversations with two 14-year-old females.
However, unbeknownst to him, the profiles he communicated with had been created by vigilante groups known as the Guardians of the North, who conduct sting operations to uncover individuals seeking to exploit minors.
The incident occurred over a three-day span in June 2020, during which Maund, aged 37 and residing on St Rollox Street in Hebburn, contacted the decoy profiles under the false name “Steven.” The first profile, using the Meetme app, purported to be an 18-year-old named Lou.
Despite claiming to be 14, Lou’s profile did not deter Maund from pursuing contact.
Throughout their conversations, he expressed a desire to kiss Lou and inquired about her clothing, repeatedly describing her as “sexy” and requesting photographs of her in a bra.
Lou, in line with the decoy's purpose, refused to send such images.
The second profile was on the dating application Badoo, where the persona claimed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Maund again expressed his interest in kissing and cuddling her, and when told she was home alone while her mother was at work, Maund indicated his desire to visit her at her residence.
The conversation escalated further as he outlined specific sexual acts he wished to perform with her, asked for additional photographs, and even sent a graphic image of his genitals.
His suggestive remarks aimed at the decoy indicated an attempt to entice the minor into sexual activity.
The serious nature of Maund’s conduct was acknowledged during his court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, one charge of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of a small number of indecent images.
The court sentenced Maund to 21 months in prison, suspended for a period of two years.
As part of his rehabilitation, he is required to participate in a sex offenders treatment programme and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for ten years.
Prosecutors and court officials emphasized the importance of both punishment and public safety in this case.
Representing Maund, defense lawyer Robin Turton commented, “He is remorseful and feels shame.
He says he had difficulties at home and a sense of loneliness.
He has now lost his job at Amazon.” This statement reflected the remorse from Maund, who has faced significant personal and legal consequences as a result of his actions in the Newcastle and Hebburn areas.
