DARREN SHEEN FALMOUTH PAEDOPHILE ADMITS LEWD ONLINE SEXUAL CHAT WITH UNDERAGE GIRL

In a shocking development at Truro Crown Court, Darren Sheen, a 29-year-old man from the Falmouth area, has admitted to engaging in inappropriate and sexual online conversations with an individual he believed to be a young girl under the age of 16. The incident, which took place between October 4 and October 26, 2019, involved Sheen exchanging explicit messages via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp with someone operating under the pseudonym Lacey.

Sheen’s case was scheduled for trial, but on the morning it was set to commence, he unexpectedly entered a guilty plea to a charge of attempted sexual communication with a child. This plea was made just minutes before the proceedings were due to begin, indicating a possible change in his legal strategy or an acknowledgment of guilt.

The court heard that Sheen believed the recipient of his messages was a girl under 16, which formed the basis of the charge. The messages exchanged were of a sexual nature, raising serious concerns about the potential harm and exploitation involved in the case.

Following his admission, the court adjourned the case until June 4 to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, which will help determine the appropriate sentencing. Sheen was granted bail until that date, but as a consequence of his conviction, he will now be required to sign the sex offenders’ register, a measure that will have significant implications for his future.

Local authorities and law enforcement continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and the dangers posed by online interactions, especially when involving minors. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and the importance of legal accountability for those involved.