JASON TILBURY CAUGHT IN HASTINGS BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS AT NEWCASTLE RAILWAY STATION

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Jason Tilbury, a 50-year-old man from Hastings, was recently apprehended after attempting to engage in illicit activities with a fictitious underage girl. The incident unfolded when Tilbury believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl named Holly through social media platforms, where he initiated a series of inappropriate and sexual messages.

Tilbury's conversations with the fake profile quickly turned explicit, with him asking if she wanted to do ‘something naughty’ and suggesting they meet up at Newcastle railway station. The online interaction was orchestrated by a group of paedophile hunters who had set up the fake profile to catch individuals seeking to commit sexual offenses against minors. When Tilbury arrived at the designated location, he was confronted by members of this group, who had been monitoring his online activity.

During the exchange of messages, Tilbury made several lewd propositions, including asking if she wanted to meet, kiss, and hold hands, and even suggesting they go to bed together. He also sent explicit photographs of his genitalia to the girl and requested images of her cleavage, further demonstrating his intent. In a concerning remark, Tilbury expressed concern about her age, calling her a ‘big risk’ and warning about the possibility of pregnancy, which indicates an awareness of the illegal nature of his actions.

He offered to pay her rail fare to facilitate their meeting, and they agreed to meet at Newcastle railway station sometime between March 19 and 24 of the previous year. When questioned by the paedophile hunters about why he had sent explicit images to an underage girl, Tilbury was left speechless before being detained by police officers. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges related to arranging or facilitating a child sex offense at Teesside Crown Court.

Tilbury was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his actions. His defense lawyer, Tony Cornberg, described him as feeling ‘completely out of his depth’ and expressed that he was experiencing regret, shame, and embarrassment. Cornberg also highlighted that Tilbury was a ‘lonely’ individual and was on medication for depression. Despite a pre-sentence report assessing him as a low risk for future sexual offenses, Judge Stephen Ashurst emphasized that Tilbury’s grooming behavior warranted a custodial sentence. The judge stated that although Tilbury was ashamed, his actions demonstrated a clear attempt to groom and exploit a minor.

Following his conviction, Tilbury was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order and to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The case was praised by members of the dark justice paedophile hunting group, who described the sentence as a positive step in holding offenders accountable. One member remarked that Tilbury’s quick progression from initial contact to attempting to meet within about a week showed his intent and the ease with which he sought to cover his tracks. The group expressed satisfaction that offenders are now facing real consequences for their actions, reinforcing the importance of vigilant online monitoring and intervention.