DANNY WATSON FROM CROWBOROUGH JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED MEET WITH 12-YEAR-OLD IN BRIGHTON

In a significant case that highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and child exploitation, Danny Watson, a 37-year-old man from Crowborough, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to meet a 12-year-old girl for sexual activity. The incident unfolded in Brighton last August, where Watson believed he was arranging to meet a young girl he had been communicating with online. However, the person he thought was a minor was actually an online child protection team known as ‘The Hunted One,’ who had been monitoring his activities and filming the encounter.

Authorities were alerted immediately after Watson arrived at the designated meeting spot in Brighton. Police officers swiftly responded to the scene, apprehending Watson at the location. He was taken into custody and later charged with multiple serious offenses. The case was brought before Hove Crown Court, where Watson appeared to face justice for his actions.

On Friday, February 24, Watson was found guilty of several charges, including attempting to meet a child under 16 following grooming behavior. In addition to these charges, he was convicted of two counts of possession of cannabis and cocaine, as well as possession with intent to supply cannabis. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the potential risk posed to minors.

It is noteworthy that Watson was not a first-time offender. He was already serving a suspended sentence from October of the previous year, when he was convicted of possessing indecent images of children. His prior conviction resulted in a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and he was designated as a registered sex offender for seven years. However, following his latest conviction, his status has been upgraded to a lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Furthermore, Watson was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which imposes strict restrictions on his access to children and computers. The court also issued a lifelong ban preventing him from working with children or young people in any capacity. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and to protect vulnerable minors from potential exploitation by individuals like Watson.

His case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat online grooming and protect children from predators. The community and authorities alike remain vigilant in addressing these serious issues, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding minors from individuals who seek to exploit them for their own illicit purposes.