2015: MAN WHO WAS BATTERED BY VIGILANTES JAILED FOR ATTEMPTING TO GROOM 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Andrew O’Neill, a 26-year-old resident of Castlehey, Skelmersdale, believed he was rendezvousing with a 14-year-old girl he had been communicating with online.However, upon arriving at Market Place in Wigan, he was confronted by a group of men who assaulted him physically while another individual recorded the attack.
Later that day, O’Neill contacted the police to report the assault.
Subsequently, he was detained and charged with grooming offences.
This incident, which took place on Saturday, April 18, is believed to be linked to another similar event that occurred at Atherton train station on the same day, both allegedly carried out by the same group of vigilantes.
At Liverpool Crown Court, O’Neill was sentenced to a 12-month prison term after admitting to attempting to meet a minor under 16 years old following grooming behaviours.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Detective Inspector Martin Reddington commented: “O’Neill was targeted because he had orchestrated an illegal online meeting with a minor.
We do not support vigilante justice — it is dangerous.
Anyone concerned about grooming should report these matters directly to the police.
Engaging in grooming or trying to meet minors online is a criminal offence, and those caught will face arrest and prosecution.” Additionally, two men aged 25 and 53 have been detained under suspicion of assault and blackmail charges.
They have been released on bail until June 18.
