WARWICK PAEDOPHILE HUNTER VICTIMIZED BY CRAIG WITHEY IN SHOCKING SEXUAL PREDATION CASE

In August 2019, a disturbing case of sexual predation unfolded in Warwick, involving a man named Craig Withey, aged 31, who was ultimately caught and exposed by a dedicated paedophile hunting team. The incident began when Withey visited a local park, bringing with him a blanket, with the apparent intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. This act was part of a broader pattern of predatory behavior that was uncovered through vigilant online investigations.

Withey faced multiple charges at Warwick Crown Court, where he admitted to attempting to incite a minor to engage in sexual acts. Specifically, he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to persuade a child to participate in sexual activity. These charges stemmed from his interactions with what he believed were underage girls, but were in fact undercover operatives from the group Defending the Innocent, who had posed as minors to catch predators.

In addition to these charges, Withey also admitted to attempting to incite two 13-year-old girls to view indecent images. This was evidenced by his sending of explicit images of himself, which included photographs exposing his genitals. The court heard that these exchanges took place over online chat platforms, where Withey engaged with two fictitious girls named Sienna and Sami. During these conversations, he not only solicited indecent images but also sent intimate photographs of himself, further demonstrating his predatory intent.

The case took a significant turn in February when Withey arranged to meet Sienna in St Nicholas Park, Warwick. He arrived at the designated location carrying a blanket, with the explicit purpose of having sexual intercourse with her. Fortunately, the police had been alerted to his intentions and intervened before any harm could occur. Withey was detained at the scene for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until officers arrived to arrest him. During the subsequent search of his phone, authorities discovered chat logs that detailed his conversations and intentions, providing concrete evidence of his misconduct.

Judge Peter Cooke presided over the case and addressed the court, revealing that Withey had been in contact with at least ten other girls, raising serious concerns about the extent of his predatory behavior. The judge noted that the case had been previously adjourned, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) instructed to compile a schedule of additional offences related to these other victims. However, it appeared that this was not completed, which prompted the judge to express his disappointment.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Withey was granted bail, a decision that drew a somber comment from Judge Cooke. The judge expressed regret, stating, “I am very sorry. It is not your fault this has happened again. I am at a loss as to why this has not been considered in the way I asked.” The case remains ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the full scope of Withey’s offending, which appears to involve multiple victims and a pattern of predatory conduct in Warwick.