JOHN CHILDS FROM WAVERTREE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL CHAT SCANDAL IN LIVERPOOL

In November 2020, a disturbing case involving John Childs, a resident of Wavertree, unfolded in Liverpool, revealing a series of alarming online communications with what he believed were underage girls. Childs, a 51-year-old father, engaged in explicit conversations with individuals he thought were teenage girls from Ireland, specifically Kelly and Zoe, both claiming to be just 13 years old from the Derry area. In reality, these conversations were with undercover police officers monitoring online activity.

Childs, who referred to himself as "Bossman" and used various profiles such as John Never You Mind and John Heron, expressed a desire to have sexual encounters with the girls. He asked Kelly if she had ever seen a penis, whether she performed sexual acts, and if she would send him nude pictures. The conversations escalated to Kik Messenger, where Childs sent explicit images of his genitals and requested similar images from Kelly, indicating a desire to meet for sex. His interactions with Zoe involved instructing her on how to perform sexual acts, and he sent her two pictures of penises along with a video of himself masturbating.

During the chats, Childs told Zoe that he planned to visit her and have sex in his car, although no arrangements were made to meet in person, such as booking hotels or flights. These conversations came to light after Merseyside Police received information about Childs engaging in sexual discussions on the website Chatiw during 2018 and 2019. Police raided his family home on February 12 of the following year, seizing a Samsung mobile phone containing the incriminating photos and videos.

When questioned by authorities, Childs admitted to having the conversations but claimed they were fantasies, asserting that people often engage in such chats without genuinely believing the other person is a minor. However, he later pleaded guilty to seven counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Judge Garrett Byrne, presiding over the case at Liverpool Crown Court, acknowledged that Childs was considered to have been of good character prior to these incidents, which spanned approximately five months. The judge described the offenses as very serious and deeply concerning, emphasizing that Childs' behavior was disgusting. Nevertheless, he pointed out that no actual child was at risk because the conversations were with undercover officers, and there was no attempt to meet or physically contact any minors.

Judge Byrne noted that nothing else of concern was found on Childs' electronic devices. He recognized Childs' remorse and shame, highlighting that he was actively seeking help from a counselor specializing in such behavior. The judge also took into account Childs' background, including a difficult childhood, and his status as a married man with a young son. The court was informed that Childs had accepted he had a problem and was making efforts to address it.

Psychological assessments indicated that Childs was engaging well with therapy and posed a low risk of re-offending. Based on these findings, Judge Byrne believed there was an excellent prospect for rehabilitation. He considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential consequences of imprisonment on Childs' family.

Ultimately, Childs was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete a 40-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and perform 40 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for ten years and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, reflecting the court's efforts to prevent future offenses and protect the community.