DECLAN POWER FROM CO LOUTH CAUGHT IN BRITAIN TRYING TO ABDUCT AND RAPE 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and predatory behavior, a man from County Louth, Ireland, has been sentenced to prison in England after attempting to travel across the border with the intent to commit a serious sexual offense against a minor.

Declan Power, a resident of Commons Road, Dromiskin, was caught in a sting operation orchestrated by paedophile hunters who had set up a fake Facebook profile impersonating a schoolgirl. The profile was part of an undercover effort to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online. Power, aged 58, was the individual who contacted the fake account, engaging in sexually explicit conversations and making arrangements to meet the supposed girl at her home in North Devon.

According to court reports, Power flew from Dublin Airport to Bristol, then took trains to Barnstaple, where he believed he would meet the girl. Instead, he was met by the paedophile hunters and was promptly arrested. Authorities found him carrying condoms in his luggage, along with return tickets for himself and the girl, indicating his plan was to stay in Britain for two days before returning to Ireland with the girl.

Further investigation revealed chat logs in which Power discussed how the girl would need to disguise herself by dyeing her hair blonde. He also suggested she would have to stay at his residence to avoid detection, even going as far as to build a high fence around his property to prevent neighbors from becoming suspicious. These details underscore the premeditated nature of his intentions.

Power was employed as a health worker in Dundalk and had been single since his last relationship ended thirteen years prior. It was reported that he had become increasingly isolated, which may have contributed to his vulnerability to the online sting operation. His actions during what was described as “a month of madness” ultimately led to his downfall.

At Exeter Crown Court, Judge Peter Johnson sentenced Power to two years and four months in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child after grooming. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “The date of birth of the purported girl was clear on the website. In fact, it was not a 13-year-old girl but a man acting as a decoy while investigating paedophiles such as yourself.”

He further added, “Your plan was to sleep with the girl and to have penetrative sexual activity with her and to return with her to Ireland, where you were going to set up home together. It is clear you intended to abduct her back to Ireland. I take into account the length of time the intention was there and the planning involved. This case is so serious there must be immediate imprisonment.”

Prosecutor Greg Richardson explained that the fake profile was created by a group called Secrets and Lies Confronted, which used a digitally manipulated image of an adult to lure potential offenders. Power initiated contact on June 13th and continued messaging despite knowing the girl’s age. He organized to meet her at Barnstaple Station at 8:30 pm on July 14th, initially using the pseudonym Simon Templar, the fictional character known as the Saint, before reverting to his real name when he traveled to Britain.

Overall, this case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups to combat online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predators.