JUSTIN TIDBALL FROM CAMBORNE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE FILTHY CHAT WITH 'GIRL' IN TRURO

In April 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Justin Tidball, a 50-year-old resident of Camborne, who was found to have engaged in highly inappropriate and explicit online communications with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The incident came to light when Tidball was caught in conversations that revealed his disturbing intentions, yet he was ultimately spared from imprisonment.

According to court records, Tidball appeared at Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after pleading guilty to charges related to sexual communication with a minor. The case was prosecuted by Ramsay Quaife, who detailed the sequence of events leading up to the conviction. In October 2019, members of the paedophile hunting group SKO (Safeguarding Kids Online) were operating a decoy on an online app, which was designed to lure potential offenders. It was during this operation that Tidball initiated contact with the decoy, who claimed to be a 14-year-old girl, soon to turn 15.

The conversations between Tidball and the decoy spanned over two days and quickly took a disturbing turn. The defendant engaged in explicit and graphic exchanges, asking the decoy if she had ever touched a penis, and expressing a desire to have sex. He also encouraged her to masturbate and made suggestive comments about their potential sexual activity. The exchanges were characterized by a barrage of obscene language and predatory behavior, revealing Tidball’s disturbing mindset.

It is important to note that Tidball has no previous criminal convictions. He was arrested at his workplace following the online interactions and remained silent during police interviews, refusing to provide any explanation for his actions. The court heard that the conversations demonstrated a clear intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, which prompted the judge to consider appropriate sentencing options.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Robert Linford emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “In 2019 you engaged in entirely inappropriate conversation with someone you believed to be 14.” The judge reviewed various reports and assessments, ultimately deciding that a custodial sentence was not necessary. Instead, he opted for a community-based punishment, believing that rehabilitation and mental health treatment could address the underlying issues.

As a result, Tidball was sentenced to a two-year community order. He is also required to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and participate in a mental health treatment program. The court’s decision reflects a focus on reform and community safety, rather than incarceration, despite the serious nature of the communications involved.