HUTHWAITE WIDOWER DAVID SINGFIELD CAUGHT BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

In April 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving David Singfield, a widower from Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, who was caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded after Singfield engaged with a fake social media profile, which was deliberately created by a group dedicated to exposing individuals seeking to exploit minors.

Singfield, residing on Lime Avenue in Huthwaite, had developed a troubling pattern of using social media platforms to send messages to women. Despite facing rejection on numerous occasions, he persisted in his online activity. His attention was eventually drawn to a profile of a young girl, which was not real but a decoy set up by a group aiming to catch predators. The profile claimed to belong to a 13-year-old girl, and Singfield, without suspicion, sent a friend request.

During the court proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Singfield initiated contact with the decoy profile and engaged in a series of inappropriate messages. The girl, who confirmed her age as only 13, verified her identity early in the exchange. Singfield’s messages included questions about her smoking and drinking habits, and he referred to her as a “lovely babe,” making sexual suggestions. The conversation escalated when they moved to WhatsApp, where Singfield sent explicit photos of himself to the decoy.

Following the exchange, the vigilante group traced Singfield’s identity and observed him in the street. The decoy girl then contacted the police, providing them with the evidence she had collected. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, arresting Singfield. During police interviews, he claimed to have no memory of the conversations with the girl, citing that he would have been “drunk and stoned at the time,” according to prosecutor Kevin Jones. Singfield denied any sexual interest in children, attempting to dismiss the allegations.

It was also disclosed that Singfield had been employed for three years at a company that produced carpet sample books. Upon learning of his crimes, his employer suspended him immediately. The incident quickly became a topic of discussion among his colleagues, many of whom expressed their disgust on social media platforms like Facebook. The backlash was severe, and Singfield was reportedly assaulted a few times by individuals who were rightly outraged by his actions.

Singfield’s criminal history includes a conviction from 32 years prior. He pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to cause or incite a child under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity, as well as attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor. The court imposed a sexual harm prevention order and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo a six-month alcohol treatment program and complete 40 days of rehabilitation.

Although he was sentenced to two years in prison, the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits further offenses within that period. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.