FREDERICK WEEKS FROM WARMINSTER SENTENCED AT SWINDON FOR REPEATED CHILD GROOMING AND ONLINE OFFENCES

In a series of disturbing incidents that highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals with predatory intentions, Frederick Weeks, a 56-year-old man from Warminster, has been subjected to a lengthy prison sentence following his repeated attempts to engage with minors online and his blatant disregard for court orders designed to prevent such behavior.

Weeks' criminal activities came to light after he was caught engaging in online conversations with what he believed were young girls, but in reality, were decoys operated by South Wales Police and members of vigilant groups Angels for Innocents and Justice 4 Kids. These exchanges included explicit messages and propositions to meet in person, with Weeks expressing a desire to engage in sexual activities with minors he thought were as young as 12.

The incidents culminated in his attempt to meet a girl at Swindon railway station last year, which was thwarted when members of a vigilante group intercepted him. Weeks had traveled from his residence on Cotswold Close, Warminster, to Swindon with the intent of meeting what he believed was a 13-year-old girl named Catherine. Prior to this, he had been communicating with other decoys, including a girl named Erin, with whom he exchanged explicit messages, and others he called Paige and Molly, all of whom he believed to be underage.

Judge Peter Crabtree at Swindon Crown Court sentenced Weeks to four years and nine months in prison for his offenses. The judge condemned his actions, stating: “Your offending reveals a blatant disregard [for the] sexual harm prevention order and a determination to communicate with young females between the ages of 12 and 14.”

Earlier, in May 2020, Weeks had been given a two-year suspended prison sentence for attempting to communicate sexually with a child and related offenses. However, he quickly breached that order by acquiring unregistered mobile phones and attempting to contact minors online again. Between June and November of the previous year, he used the internet to reach out to individuals he believed to be under 16, moving conversations from websites like Say Hi to WhatsApp.

His online activity included explicit discussions with a decoy account named Erin, where he detailed sexual acts and expressed intentions to meet her in private. He also called another girl, Paige, “baby,” and complimented her, believing she was 12. Additionally, he told a girl named Molly that he could “easily love her” if she was older, assuming she was 14. His actions demonstrated a persistent pattern of grooming and predatory behavior.

On October 31, 2020, Weeks traveled to Swindon with the intent to meet a girl he believed was 13, named Catherine. However, he was intercepted at the railway station by members of Angels for Innocents, who had been monitoring his online activities. The day before, he had asked her to keep their meeting secret and suggested they find a quiet place to kiss.

Following his arrest, Weeks pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including breaching his sexual harm prevention order, attempting sexual communication with a child, and attempting to meet a child after grooming. He appeared in court via video link from HMP Bullingdon, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order remains in effect. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for life.

In January 2021, the court ordered a new report to assess whether Weeks should be classified as a dangerous offender, which could lead to longer imprisonment and extended supervision periods. Judge Crabtree emphasized that this was a precautionary measure for public safety, not a final decision on his dangerousness. Weeks is scheduled for sentencing on March 12, with legal representatives Tom Wilkins and Alec Small involved in the proceedings.

Wiltshire Police had previously assured the public that Weeks, despite his suspended sentence, would be closely monitored to prevent further offending. His case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from predators.