SICK PAEDOPHILE TURNED UP TO MCDONALD'S WITH CONDOMS AND VIAGRA
A man with a disturbing history of sexual offences, Gordon Welch, 67, from Portsmouth, was caught attempting to engage in a reprehensible act involving an underage girl, after turning up at a fast-food restaurant in Shirley believed to be a meeting with a child he intended to abuse.According to court proceedings, Welch arrived at a McDonald’s in Shirley armed with items including condoms, lubricant, and Viagra, all believed to be intended for sexual activity with an 11-year-old girl he thought he was meeting.
The court heard that Welch had been communicating online with another man, under the aliases "Portsmouthmeet" and "Portsmouthnoman," in an effort to arrange a meeting during which he planned to abuse the young girl.
This man was, in fact, an officer from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Through these exchanges, Welch expressed his intentions openly, discussing plans to engage in sexual acts with the girl, requesting a photograph of her in a school uniform, and stating that he would have sex with her if she was willing.
On May 12 of this year, Welch drove from Portsmouth to Southampton, responding to what he believed was a rendezvous arranged with the girl’s father.
Instead of meeting an innocent person, Welch was met by police officers who arrested him at approximately 10 a.m., immediately upon his arrival.
A search of Welch’s person and vehicle revealed three condoms some flavoured a packet of lubricant, and a Viagra tablet.
During police interrogation, Welch reportedly admitted that he was aware it was a trap but stated that he was simply curious.
He further claimed that he genuinely intended to meet the girl’s father and daughter, implying a desire to engage in sexual activity.
Further searches at Welch’s home uncovered a pink Hello Kitty top and additional lubricant, suggesting a premeditated intent or preparation.
Initially, Welch pleaded not guilty, asserting that he had no intention of engaging in sexual contact.
However, he later changed his plea to guilty, acknowledging his involvement.
His defence attorney, Jamie Gammon, argued in court that Welch found it difficult to believe he would have acted on his intentions if given the chance, suggesting that Welch believed he would not have gone through with the act and would instead have driven away.
The court was informed that Welch has a criminal history, including three previous convictions for six offences, as well as a prior arrest for sexual related matters for which he was never prosecuted.
In addressing Welch’s case, Recorder Don Tait explicitly warned Welch that he remains a significant risk to children and highlighted that Welch continued to deny the full extent of his misconduct.
The judge commended that, luckily, in this instance, no actual victim was present, but emphasized the effort Welch made to pursue this harmful plan.
As a result, Welch was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
Furthermore, he will be subject to notification requirements for the next ten years and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
All items seized during police searches, including the condoms, lubricants, and other paraphernalia, are set to be forfeited and destroyed, underscoring the serious measures taken to prevent further harm or misuse.
