GEORGE WILKINSON CAUGHT IN FLEETWOOD PAEDOPHILE STING NEAR EXETER RAILWAY STATION

In a significant law enforcement operation, police successfully apprehended George Wilkinson, a 58-year-old resident of Fleetwood, Lancashire, in connection with a disturbing online grooming case. The arrest took place in Exeter, where Wilkinson was found on the concourse of St David's railway station, a location that became the focal point of a carefully coordinated sting operation aimed at targeting online predators preying on minors.

Wilkinson had previously arranged to meet a girl he believed to be 14 years old, known by the alias 'Amy,' after engaging in conversations on a social networking platform. His intentions were sinister, as he had booked a room at the nearby Premier Inn hotel, preparing to meet the girl for sexual activity. Evidence indicated that Wilkinson had been grooming 'Amy' over an extended period, during which he exposed himself via webcam on two separate occasions and discussed plans to meet her in Exeter.

On the day of his arrest, Wilkinson was seen at Exeter's railway station carrying alcohol, which he intended to bring to the meeting. The police, who had been monitoring his online activity as part of an ongoing operation to catch online predators, intervened at the station and took him into custody. His arrest was a culmination of efforts to combat the increasing threat of online grooming and child exploitation.

Judge Philip Wassall presided over the case at Exeter Crown Court, where Wilkinson faced serious charges. The judge described Wilkinson's actions as grooming 'Amy' over a lengthy period and noted that he had prepared for the meeting by booking a hotel room and bringing alcohol. The court was informed that Wilkinson had been surfing websites for some time before encountering the undercover police officer posing as the girl.

During the proceedings, Judge Wassall commended the police for their diligent and appropriate work in conducting the sting operation, emphasizing the importance of such efforts in protecting vulnerable minors from predators. Wilkinson, who has been married for 30 years, claimed he was attending an army reunion, a story that was contradicted by evidence and his actions.

Following his guilty plea to charges of attempting to cause a person under 16 to watch a sexual act and meeting a girl under 16 for sexual grooming, Wilkinson was sentenced to 26 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the Sexual Offender Register for ten years and issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for 12 years. The court also heard that Wilkinson's wife has initiated divorce proceedings, and he has lost his job as a result of his criminal conduct.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and the importance of sting operations in catching offenders before they can harm minors.