BILLY NOTTINGHAM CAUGHT BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN BURY: SUSPENDED SENTENCE AT MANCHESTER COURT

In January 2018, a man from Bury named Billy Nottingham found himself at the center of a serious criminal case after being caught by vigilant paedophile hunters. Nottingham, who believed he was engaging in sexual conversations with two girls aged 13, was ultimately apprehended following an investigation that uncovered his inappropriate online behavior.

According to court proceedings held at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Nottingham, aged 38, was given a suspended prison sentence after Judge Maurice Greene reviewed the case. The judge was informed that Nottingham did not make any arrangements to meet the supposed minors, and he had already served seven weeks in custody prior to sentencing.

Prosecutor Neil Beckwith detailed the case, explaining that two separate groups of paedophile hunters had created fake online profiles under the names Ellie Palmer and Amy Thornton. Between March and April of the previous year, these groups engaged in conversations with Nottingham, who was pretending to be a 15-year-old girl. Over the course of three weeks, Nottingham exchanged messages with these profiles, making comments about their bodies and, in the case of 'Ellie,' encouraging her to perform a sex act.

Despite the explicit nature of some of the messages, Mr. Beckwith emphasized that no images were exchanged during the conversations, and although there was discussion about meeting, no concrete plans were made to do so. The paedophile hunters promptly alerted the police once they became aware of Nottingham’s online activities, leading to his arrest.

During police interviews, Nottingham admitted to having an interest in schoolgirls for the past four years. When questioned about his actions, he accepted responsibility for his behavior. Nottingham, who resides on Topping Fold Road in Bury, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to entice a child into sexual activity and attempting to communicate with a child for sexual gratification.

Although Nottingham has no previous convictions, he has been cautioned twice for burglary in the past. The court considered his criminal history but ultimately sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. Judge Greene clarified that no child was put at actual risk in this case, as there was no attempt to meet the minors involved. The judge also ordered Nottingham to participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities, placed him on the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and issued a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, Nottingham is prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults as part of his sentence.