JOHN PRATT FROM CROWBOROUGH CAUGHT WITH PAEDOPHILE MANUAL IN SUSSEX

In a significant development within Sussex's ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation, a man from Crowborough has been convicted of possessing a disturbing 'paedophile manual'.

John Pratt, aged 63 and a retired resident of Pilmer Road in Crowborough, faced the consequences of his actions at Hove Crown Court on Friday, 15th February. The court sentenced him to a fine of £500 after he pleaded guilty to possessing a spreadsheet that detailed his contacts with young girls. This case marks the first time in Sussex that an individual has been convicted specifically for the possession of such a manual.

Pratt’s criminal history includes a previous conviction from July 2017, when he was found guilty of taking, making, and distributing over 4,500 indecent images of children. As part of that sentence, he was sentenced to ten months in prison, and he was also designated as a registered sex offender for a decade. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for ten years, restricting his activities and contact with minors.

Detective Sergeant Lou Hays, a member of Sussex Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), provided insight into the case. He explained that during the 2017 investigation, authorities discovered on Pratt’s computer a detailed spreadsheet containing information and comments about hundreds of contacts. These contacts appeared to be teenage girls, with whom Pratt had engaged in sexualized conversations. The contacts originated from across the country, although the majority were based in the South East, the region where Pratt resides.

Furthermore, the investigation uncovered a homemade instruction sheet created by Pratt. This document was designed to be shared with potential meeting partners and included advice on maintaining secrecy, disguising phone numbers, and avoiding detection by cameras. It also provided guidance on where to meet and how to conduct encounters discreetly, including tips on avoiding surveillance and ensuring privacy.

Before prosecuting Pratt over the possession of the manual, authorities conducted extensive checks to identify individuals mentioned within the spreadsheet. These checks aimed to uncover any evidence of actual contact offenses and to ensure the safety of potential victims. The investigation revealed that most contacts were adults engaging in sexualized chats for various motives, rather than actual children at immediate risk. In a few cases where children might have been involved, details were forwarded to local authorities for further safeguarding measures.

While there was no concrete evidence that Pratt intended to meet any of the girls or that other individuals committed offenses, his persistent and systematic interest in young teenage girls, along with the involvement of numerous other men, was deemed highly concerning. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors.