CHELTENHAM MAN LEE PROSSER CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTER TRAP FAILS TO AFFORD TREATMENT
In December 2017, a serious case unfolded involving Lee Prosser, a 42-year-old resident of Greet Road, Cheltenham, who found himself at the center of a police investigation after falling into a trap set by online vigilantes targeting potential child abusers.The incident highlighted the dangers of social media interactions and the importance of proper intervention in safeguarding children.
Initially, in May of that year, Prosser appeared before the court, where his sentencing was deferred for six months.
The purpose of this delay was to allow him to participate in a Lucy Faithfull Foundation sex offender treatment course and to address underlying sexual issues.
During the proceedings, Prosser admitted to using social media platforms to arrange a meeting with a girl he believed to be 15 years old.
However, it was later revealed that the girl was a fictitious persona created by a woman vigilante committed to exposing child predators.
This woman had set up a fake Facebook profile under the name Fay, using a photo of an adult who appeared childlike, with the intent of luring men like Prosser into revealing their intentions.
Prosser had expressed interest in meeting the girl at Guildford train station but canceled the plans, citing family illness.
Despite this, he continued to send explicit videos and images, including a video of himself performing a sex act and further pictures of his genitals.
He also suggested that the girl bring condoms and even advised her to consult her doctor about obtaining the contraceptive pill, indicating a clear intent to engage in sexual activity.
All evidence collected by the vigilante and her partner was handed over to the police, leading to Prosser's arrest and subsequent prosecution.
The court heard that the vigilante's team had carefully crafted the fake profile to attract men seeking underage girls, and Prosser's communications confirmed his sexual interest in minors.
In a separate but related incident in October 2017, Prosser was caught in a similar sting.
The online vigilantes had set up a Facebook profile named Fay, designed to appear as a young girl, to entrap men like Prosser who sought to meet minors for sex.
Prosser engaged with the profile, expressing attraction and sending explicit images, including videos of himself.
He proposed meeting at Guildford train station but canceled due to family issues.
The vigilantes, with police assistance, arranged to meet him at the station, but the encounter was thwarted by police presence, and Prosser lost his nerve.
The evidence was handed over to law enforcement, leading to his arrest.
During the court hearing, Judge Jamie Tabor QC addressed Prosser directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
He decided not to impose immediate imprisonment but ordered Prosser to attend a course run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing child sex abuse.
The judge warned that if Prosser failed to acknowledge his issues and cooperate fully, he would face a custodial sentence.
Prosser was granted bail pending sentencing on a date to be determined.
The court also highlighted the importance of social media awareness, especially among young people.
Judge Tabor advised secondary school students present at the hearing to be cautious when sharing images online, warning that inappropriate pictures could have long-lasting and humiliating consequences.
He stressed that online interactions are unpredictable and that individuals should be wary of who they communicate with, as anyone could be a predator, a police officer, or even a fellow offender.
The case served as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on social media platforms and the need for vigilance to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
