WELLS MAN DAVID NYE SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN WILTSHIRE

A man from Wells, Somerset, David Nye, aged 56, has been sentenced to prison after traveling to Wiltshire with the intent to abuse a young girl. Nye pleaded guilty at a November 2021 hearing to attempting to arrange a child sex offence. His guilty plea was part of a joint investigation conducted by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) and Wiltshire Police.

On Monday, February 21, Nye was handed a three-year prison sentence and will be on the sex offenders register for life. The investigation revealed that during July of the previous year, Nye engaged in online and email communications with someone he believed was the mother of a young girl. Over the course of July 1 to 29, Nye discussed his sexual interests and ultimately arranged to meet the child with the intention of sexual abuse.

However, it was confirmed that there was no real victim involved, and no children were ever at risk. Nye traveled to the agreed meeting point on July 29, where he was promptly arrested and taken to Melksham Police Station.

Detective Constable Jason Walsh, part of Wiltshire Police’s child internet exploitation team, stated: "The messages exchanged between Nye and the 'mother' during the month-long interaction were highly disturbing and alarming."

"We were left beyond doubt that Nye posed a serious and dangerous risk to children and used the internet to find victims. As part of the Child Internet Exploitation Team, it is our duty to protect children and young people from predators like Nye. We will continue working tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and to ensure the internet does not become a safe space for them to prey on the vulnerable in our communities."

He added: "We hope this sentence acts as a deterrent and underscores the seriousness of such offences."

Detective Inspector David Wells of SW ROCU commented: "Had David Nye met the child he planned to that day, it’s certain she would have faced horrific abuse. Fortunately, our team’s efforts, along with Wiltshire Police’s follow-up investigation, prevented any harm to a child and stopped his depraved plans before they could be carried out."

He emphasized the importance of law enforcement efforts: "This work involves identifying offenders who groom children online, share indecent images, and attempt to access children for abuse. We are committed to ensuring these criminals do not succeed. It is also crucial that parents and children take proactive steps to protect themselves against these threats."

The NSPCC website provides extensive advice for parents, carers, children, young people, and professionals. If online abuse or concerns arise, it is advised to report the matter to CEOP. Additionally, individuals worried about their own online behaviors, inappropriate thoughts about children, or concerns regarding someone they know, should contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.