JOHN KINGSTON FROM SNEYD GREEN CAUGHT IN WEBCAM SEX SCANDAL IN STAFFORD

In March 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving John Kingston, a 49-year-old man from Hazelwood Close, Sneyd Green, who engaged in inappropriate online conduct with a teenage girl. Kingston, who was married at the time, managed to avoid imprisonment despite the serious nature of his actions.

Kingston’s online alias was 'Dirty Daddy,' and he initiated contact with a 14-year-old girl through an MSN chatroom. During their conversations, he falsely claimed to be a 47-year-old resident of Manchester, attempting to establish a sexually explicit dialogue. The Stafford Crown Court was informed that Kingston’s conduct escalated when he exposed his genitals via a webcam during one of their exchanges. Additionally, he provided his telephone number to the girl, who subsequently saved it in her phone under the name 'Paedo.'

Further alarming was Kingston’s offer to book a hotel room in an attempt to meet the teenager face-to-face. Prosecutor David Bennett explained that Kingston’s actions included a three-way webcam conversation involving the girl and her friend, during which he exposed himself. He also discussed the possibility of meeting her in person, promising to buy her gifts and arrange accommodations. Although they exchanged phone numbers, they never actually spoke on the phone.

The conversations, which included questions about the girl’s sexual experience, took place over a period from November 26 to January 20. Kingston was arrested on January 21 after the girl’s mother discovered the chat history and alerted the police. The court heard that Kingston’s online behavior was characterized by a lack of remorse and a clear intent to groom the young girl.

Defence lawyer Joanne Wallbank argued that Kingston’s online activity was a form of escapism and that he was open about his identity, which the girl could see clearly. She emphasized that Kingston was in a supportive relationship with his wife and that he would face the consequences of a criminal conviction, including being placed on the Sex Offenders Register. Wallbank also noted that Kingston had suffered depression and lost his job following his arrest.

Kingston pleaded guilty to a charge of exposure, and Judge Michael Cullum condemned his actions as every parent’s nightmare. The judge remarked that, despite Kingston’s good character and age, his conduct was deeply disturbing and sexually motivated. He highlighted the danger posed to vulnerable minors and the damage caused by such grooming behavior.

Judge Cullum stated, “At the age of 49 and with good character I suspect no-one, least your wife, expected you to be in crown court pleading for your freedom on a sex offence and you would have suffered a significant amount of disgust and depression after being caught for this unpleasant and serious offence. This is about her being corrupted and the long-standing damage to someone vulnerable.”

He further condemned Kingston’s online alias 'Dirty Daddy' as indicative of grooming behavior. Kingston was ordered to pay £180 in costs, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years, and disqualified from working with children, marking a significant legal response to his misconduct.