MARK WILKINS CONNAH'S QUAY PERVERT CAUGHT BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN NORTH WALES

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in North Wales, a man from Connah's Quay was caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The confrontation took place in July 2019 and revealed the extent of his inappropriate online behavior.

Mark Wilkins, aged 54, was filmed outside his residence on Summersville Close in Connah's Quay, where members of the Elusive Child Protection Unit confronted him after they uncovered evidence of his illicit activities. The footage captured Wilkins denying any knowledge of the explicit messages and images he had sent, despite the evidence presented against him.

According to the footage, Wilkins had been communicating with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl named Shannon. He had sent her a lewd photograph of himself and a video performing a sexual act, believing he was engaging with a minor. During the confrontation, Wilkins was asked how many children he had been in contact with online. He admitted to speaking with at least one minor but insisted he had not met any children in person and claimed he had not received any indecent images of children.

Members of the online group, which specializes in monitoring and catching online predators, carried out a citizen's arrest off-camera before notifying the police. The operation culminated on June 16, when North Wales Police arrested Wilkins at his home. During his arrest, Wilkins did not deny his actions and openly admitted to the police, stating, “Yes, I did it, I admit it.”

Wilkins was subsequently brought before Mold Crown Court on July 11. The court proceedings revealed that he had urged the supposed teenager to send him videos of her performing sexual acts and had instructed her to keep their communications secret. The court heard that Wilkins had shown a clear intent to exploit the minor for sexual gratification.

In sentencing, Judge Rowlands described Wilkins’ conduct as “truly depraved and disgusting,” emphasizing the severity of his actions. Wilkins was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison, placed under a sexual harm prevention order, and ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators.