EDWARD DAVIES CAUGHT IN WYTHENSHAWE UNDERCOVER POLICE STING INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the vigilance of law enforcement, Edward William Davies, a 36-year-old man from Royalthorn Road, Benchill, Wythenshawe, was recently brought to justice after a sting operation conducted by police officers. The incident, which unfolded in 2009 and culminated in his arrest in August of the following year, involved Davies attempting to engage with a girl he believed to be only 14 years old.

Police had set up an elaborate online trap by creating a fictitious profile on the social networking site Mingleville, under the alias 'Tracey.' This profile was designed to attract potential predators and was managed by officers from the GMP's Sexual Crime unit. Davies, believing he was communicating with a young girl, added 'Tracey' as a friend and engaged in regular conversations. During these exchanges, he was informed that 'Tracey' was only 14 and still attending school, yet he continued to send her sexually explicit messages, including requests for her to be his 'slave.'

Despite the clear age discrepancy and the inappropriate nature of his messages, Davies persisted in his attempts to persuade 'Tracey' to meet him in person. In August 2010, after several weeks of communication, police officers agreed to the arranged meeting. Davies sent a photograph of his car to a mobile number he believed belonged to 'Tracey,' indicating his readiness to meet. However, upon arriving at the designated meeting point, Davies was met by multiple officers from Greater Manchester Police's Sexual Crime unit and was promptly arrested.

Detective Constable Colin Ward commented on the case, stating, "Clearly, Davies' intention was to meet a girl whom he knew was just 14, and although we will probably never know his true intentions, the sexually explicit remarks he made give us a good indication of what he could have been planning." He further emphasized the importance of the operation, saying, "Thankfully, Tracey was not real and no child was harmed, but I hope this case sends out a strong message to potential offenders."

Following his arrest and subsequent guilty plea to attempting to meet a child following grooming, Davies was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to 10 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.