LUKE KELLY FROM NORTH ANSTON SENTENCED IN SHEFFIELD FOR ATTEMPTED CHILD SEX OFFENSES
| Red Rose Database
North Anston Child Sexual Abuser
In November 2018, a serious case involving Luke Kelly, a resident of North Anston, came to the forefront as he was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual communication with what he believed were underage girls. The incident was brought to light through an undercover operation conducted by an online group known as 24/7 Paedophile Hunters, which aims to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, serving as the Recorder of Sheffield, presided over the case and delivered a sentence that reflected the gravity of Kelly’s actions. Kelly, aged 22 at the time, was sentenced to nine months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. The charges against him included two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, a serious criminal offense that highlights the ongoing threat posed by online predators.
The court was informed that Kelly was caught in August and September of the previous year during a sting operation. The operation involved the use of decoy profiles created by adult women associated with the 24/7 Paedophile Hunters group on a social media app called ‘Nearby’. These profiles were designed to mimic the online presence of young girls aged 12 and 13, with the intent of attracting predators like Kelly.
Prosecutor Gordon Stables explained to Sheffield Crown Court that Kelly initiated contact with both decoy profiles, believing them to be young girls. During the conversations, Kelly claimed to be much younger than his actual age, telling the 12-year-old he was 16, and the 13-year-old he was 14. His messages included attempts to incite the girls to send sexual pictures and messages, which is a criminal offense under laws protecting minors from exploitation.
Kelly’s interactions with the decoys also involved him suggesting a meeting in person. However, he later told police that he ‘wouldn’t have gone through with it,’ indicating a possible hesitation or recognition of the illegality of his actions. Despite this, the court emphasized the seriousness of his attempts to engage with minors online.
Following Kelly’s arrest, members of the 24/7 Paedophile Hunters group attempted to confront him at an address they found through the electoral register. They initially provided statements to the police but later failed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, which was a point of concern for the authorities.
Kelly, who had no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing, accepting responsibility for his actions. As part of his sentence, Judge Richardson ordered Kelly to undertake a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, including participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. Additionally, Kelly was ordered to return to court for quarterly reviews to monitor his progress and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future offenses.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, serving as the Recorder of Sheffield, presided over the case and delivered a sentence that reflected the gravity of Kelly’s actions. Kelly, aged 22 at the time, was sentenced to nine months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. The charges against him included two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, a serious criminal offense that highlights the ongoing threat posed by online predators.
The court was informed that Kelly was caught in August and September of the previous year during a sting operation. The operation involved the use of decoy profiles created by adult women associated with the 24/7 Paedophile Hunters group on a social media app called ‘Nearby’. These profiles were designed to mimic the online presence of young girls aged 12 and 13, with the intent of attracting predators like Kelly.
Prosecutor Gordon Stables explained to Sheffield Crown Court that Kelly initiated contact with both decoy profiles, believing them to be young girls. During the conversations, Kelly claimed to be much younger than his actual age, telling the 12-year-old he was 16, and the 13-year-old he was 14. His messages included attempts to incite the girls to send sexual pictures and messages, which is a criminal offense under laws protecting minors from exploitation.
Kelly’s interactions with the decoys also involved him suggesting a meeting in person. However, he later told police that he ‘wouldn’t have gone through with it,’ indicating a possible hesitation or recognition of the illegality of his actions. Despite this, the court emphasized the seriousness of his attempts to engage with minors online.
Following Kelly’s arrest, members of the 24/7 Paedophile Hunters group attempted to confront him at an address they found through the electoral register. They initially provided statements to the police but later failed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, which was a point of concern for the authorities.
Kelly, who had no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing, accepting responsibility for his actions. As part of his sentence, Judge Richardson ordered Kelly to undertake a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, including participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. Additionally, Kelly was ordered to return to court for quarterly reviews to monitor his progress and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future offenses.