DAMIEN MORTON CAUGHT IN BENWELL PLOT TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD FOR SEX AT NEWCASTLE'S MANORS METRO

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Damian Morton, a 22-year-old man from Gill Street, Benwell, was caught attempting to meet a supposed 13-year-old girl for sexual activity at Newcastle's Manors Metro station. The incident unfolded in March 2016, when Morton believed he was communicating with a young girl named Charlotte through social media platforms.

According to evidence presented at Newcastle Crown Court, the online contact was initiated by the Dark Justice organization, which had set up a decoy account under the name of Charlotte on the social media site Tagged. Over the course of several days, starting on March 2, Morton engaged in conversations with the decoy, during which he expressed sexual interest and made arrangements to meet her after his shift at the local Home Bargains store.

During their exchanges, Charlotte, the decoy, repeatedly mentioned her age of 13 and asked Morton if he remembered her. The conversations moved to WhatsApp, where Morton continued to discuss their meeting, indicating he would finish work and meet her at the designated location. The messages also included references to sexual activity, further demonstrating his intent.

On the evening of March 3, at approximately 7:30 pm, Morton arrived at the Manors Metro station, expecting to meet Charlotte. However, instead of the young girl, he was met by members of the Dark Justice team and police officers who had been monitoring the situation. The authorities swiftly arrested him at the scene.

During the court proceedings, Robin Thurton, the prosecutor, detailed how Morton’s actions constituted attempted grooming. The court heard that Morton had no prior convictions and that he initially met the girl on an adult website, which added context to his behavior. His defense, represented by Jonathan Cousins, argued that Morton was an immature and sexually inexperienced individual with limited contact with women, which may have contributed to his poor judgment.

Judge Alistair MacDonald QC sentenced Morton to a one-year prison term, suspended for two years. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, warning Morton that he was fortunate to have been caught before any harm could occur. He also ordered Morton to participate in a sex offender rehabilitation program and other related activities. As a consequence of his actions, Morton has also lost his job, reflecting the personal and social repercussions of his behavior.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and organizations like Dark Justice to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.