BLACKPOOL MAN BRIAN HORROCKS CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTING STING AND SENTENCED
In January 2020, a disturbing case involving Brian Horrocks, a 21-year-old resident of Egerton Road in Blackpool, culminated in his conviction following a covert operation by a paedophile hunting team.The incident unfolded when Horrocks believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl with the intent of grooming her for sexual activity.
However, the supposed minor was actually a member of the 'Totnes Justice' paedophile hunting group, designed to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.
Horrocks appeared before Preston Crown Court to face the charges, which included sexual communication with a child.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the supposed victim did not exist; instead, the entire scenario was a sting operation orchestrated by the vigilant team.
On January 20, 2020, the court sentenced Horrocks to a 16-month prison term, which was suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to undertake a 90-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement aimed at addressing his behavior.
Further penalties included a four-month curfew from 7 pm to 6 am, to be enforced over the same four-month period.
The court also mandated that Horrocks participate in a Sex Offenders Treatment Programme to help prevent future offenses.
As part of his sentence, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed for ten years, restricting his contact with minors and regulating his online activities.
Earlier, in June 2019, Horrocks was also involved in a separate legal matter when he was sent for trial at Crown Court on charges related to a sex offence against a 13-year-old girl.
He faced allegations of sexually touching the girl and unlawfully detaining another girl.
Following these charges, Blackpool Magistrates granted him bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on any contact with five named teenage girls and any individual under the age of 18.
His next court appearance was scheduled for June 19 at Preston Crown Court, where the case was set to be further examined.
