DOUGLAS HUTCHINGS FROM GREAT BADDOW SENTENCED AFTER TRYING TO MEET 15-YEAR-OLD IN MALDON

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Douglas Hutchings, a 75-year-old resident of Whitehouse Crescent in Great Baddow, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity. The incident unfolded in June of the previous year when Hutchings traveled to Promenade Park in Maldon, believing he was about to meet a 15-year-old boy he had been communicating with online.

Hutchings had engaged in a series of messages with what he thought was a teenage boy on a gay dating app. The exchanges indicated his intent to engage in oral sex with the minor. However, the profile he was communicating with, named ‘Young,’ was not genuine. It was set up by an investigative journalist working with the group CSE Interceptors, who had contacted the police after discovering the suspicious activity.

According to reports, Hutchings claimed that his purpose for going to Maldon was not to meet the boy for sex but rather to warn him about the dangers of online interactions and to “protect him from older men.” Despite this assertion, the evidence presented in court showed clear indications of grooming and intent to engage in sexual activity.

Hutchings was arrested at Promenade Park, and following a two-day trial, he was convicted of attempting to meet a child after grooming. The court found that his actions went beyond mere communication, with the messages suggesting plans for sexual acts, including oral sex.

Nearly three months after his conviction, Hutchings appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on September 10 for sentencing. Prosecutor Jane Oldfield clarified that while the act was an attempt rather than a completed offence, the content of the conversations demonstrated a clear intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

During the hearing, Hutchings maintained his stance, claiming he was trying to help young men avoid risky situations online. However, Judge Karen Walden-Smith was not convinced by his explanation. She stated, “You discovered the profile was under 16 and despite that, you made it clear to him that you were interested in sex and oral sex and that you would meet at the Prom Park in Maldon. You claimed to be protecting young men from older men and that they shouldn’t put themselves in danger, but this was dismissed by the jury.”

As a result, Hutchings was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register, complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, and perform 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for ten years, and Hutchings was barred from working with children in the future.