MARK WOOD FROM LITTLEHAMPTON CAUGHT IN HONITON PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS' STING AND AVOIDS JAIL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Mark Wood, a 43-year-old man originally from Littlehampton, found himself at the center of a disturbing online predator investigation in Honiton. Over the course of just two months, Wood was targeted and caught by three separate groups of online paedophile hunters, who meticulously set up decoy profiles to lure individuals like him into incriminating conversations.

The incident unfolded when Wood engaged in a series of sexually explicit exchanges with what he believed to be a nine-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him, the profile he was communicating with was a decoy created by vigilant online groups. During these exchanges, Wood offered to provide what he termed 'sex lessons' to the supposed young girl, revealing his intent to engage in inappropriate sexual activity.

Further investigations revealed that Wood had sent similar obscene messages to four additional decoy profiles, all of which were fabricated by paedophile hunting organizations. These groups, including 'Team Impact,' 'Phoenix Predator Hunters,' and 'Keeping Kids Safe,' had set up these profiles to catch predators like Wood. The groups confronted him at his former residence in Honiton, where they handed over the chat logs to the police, leading to his arrest last month.

At Exeter Crown Court on Monday, August 19, Wood pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and five counts of attempted sexual communication with a child. It was noted that Wood, who is now homeless, had used the alias 'Jayson' during his online interactions, which included sexually charged conversations and the sharing of explicit images. In one of the most serious exchanges, he told a decoy claiming to be a nine-year-old girl that he was 43 years old and warned her to keep their chats secret, implying that disclosure could lead to his imprisonment.

The court heard that Wood had also expressed a preference for 'teeny girls' who are into older men, further highlighting his predatory intentions. During the proceedings, the prosecution emphasized the severity of his actions, which involved sending a topless photo of himself and requesting explicit images from the decoy.

Judge Peter Johnson, presiding over the case, sentenced Wood to a three-year community order. As part of this sentence, he was ordered to attend a sex offenders' treatment program and complete ten hours of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, Wood was placed on the sex offenders register and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, both of which will be in effect for five years. These measures will enable authorities to monitor his internet activity closely in the future.

Judge Johnson addressed Wood directly, stating, 'You engaged in what was unusual activity for you but was reprehensible behaviour in attempting to contact youngsters who you thought were aged nine to 14. This order is appropriate for society, bearing in mind you have already suffered a punitive element by being in custody since your arrest.'

Prosecutor Nigel Wraith highlighted that the most serious offence involved the attempted incitement, which carries a starting point of six months in jail according to sentencing guidelines, with the potential for up to three years. The court was also informed that Wood's case was considered persistent offending, which contributed to the decision to impose a community order rather than immediate imprisonment.

Defence counsel Bathsheba Cassel expressed concern over Wood's housing situation, noting that he currently has no fixed address and may be offered accommodation at the Gabriel House hostel in Smythen Street, Exeter, should he avoid jail. The case was adjourned until Friday to allow the probation service to determine his housing arrangements, with the possibility of a custodial sentence still on the table. Judge Johnson warned Wood that he could still face imprisonment, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing supervision.