DANE TAYLOR CAUGHT IN HULL PAEDOPHILE STING AT HESSLE ROAD PETROL STATION
In August 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Hull involving Dane Taylor, a 31-year-old man from Lissett Grove, North Hull.Taylor was caught in a sting operation after attempting to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old girl at a petrol station on Hessle Road.
The entire operation was orchestrated by a couple who had been watching programmes about paedophile hunter groups and decided to set up a decoy profile on Facebook to catch potential offenders.
According to the proceedings at Hull Crown Court, the couple created a fake profile under the name Lucy, claiming to be a 14-year-old girl.
They used this profile to attract and identify individuals who might be seeking to engage in inappropriate conversations with minors.
The profile quickly received numerous friend requests, including one from Dane Taylor, who was added as a friend after the decoy profile made contact.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Taylor was informed by the decoy that Lucy was only 14 years old.
Despite this, he continued the conversation, with the prosecutor, Richard Thompson, stating, "They put a picture up and were inundated with friend requests." The court heard that Taylor was initially cautious but continued messaging, with the decoy asking if he was bothered about her age.
Taylor responded that he was not concerned, and the conversation persisted.
Further details indicated that Taylor engaged in regular messaging, attempting to escalate the conversation.
He expressed a willingness to do “all sorts” to the girl and inquired about what she would do to him.
He also mentioned that he would buy condoms when they met.
The court noted that Taylor became somewhat non-communicative when discussions turned to sex, but the pair continued to talk about meeting up.
It was ultimately Taylor’s intention to meet Lucy at a petrol station on Hessle Road.
However, the plan was thwarted when the couple, who had been monitoring the conversation, apprehended him before the meeting could take place.
They promptly contacted the police, leading to Taylor’s arrest.
During police interviews, Taylor initially claimed he had been hacked.
However, he later admitted to sending some messages but denied sending any sexual images or explicit content.
The court considered his actions serious, especially given the nature of the messages exchanged and his intent to meet a minor.
Judge Paul Watson sentenced Taylor to a two-year community order, which includes mandatory attendance at a sexual harm prevention programme and the signing of a sexual harm prevention order.
The judge emphasized that Taylor had been deceived by the decoy, but nonetheless, he engaged in conversations of a sexual nature, many of which were initiated by the decoy’s profile.
The judge pointed out that Taylor initially showed reluctance but was encouraged to exchange pictures, which he declined.
Judge Watson warned that if Taylor fails to comply with the rehabilitation programme or breaches the community order, he will be brought back before the court for further sentencing.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups in Hull to combat online grooming and protect minors from exploitation.
