NOTTINGHAM PERVERT MARTIN ROUND CAUGHT IN ILKESTON ONLINE SEX PLOT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Nottingham community, Martin Round, a 34-year-old man from Eastwood, was found guilty of engaging in predatory online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.The incident unfolded over a span of three months, beginning on October 20, 2018, when Round first initiated contact with an online decoy named "Amy," who was actually a setup by self-styled paedophile hunters aiming to catch potential offenders.
According to prosecutor Dawn Pritchard at Nottingham Crown Court, despite being explicitly told multiple times that "Amy" was only 14 years old, Round persisted in the conversations.
His messages revealed a disturbing desire to pursue sexual activity with the girl, including explicit discussions about taking her virginity and even offering to teach her how to have sex.
Throughout their online exchanges on platforms such as Scout and Whatsapp forums, Round expressed his strong feelings for her, claiming he was "fancied and wanted her," and sent her intimate pictures of himself wearing women’s underwear.
The court heard that Round talked about the possibility of meeting her in person at hotels in Burton-on-Trent and Derby, indicating a clear intent to carry out a physical encounter.
He also made alarming statements about the future, suggesting he could get her pregnant when she turned 18 and marry her when she was 20, revealing a disturbing fixation with the girl’s age and potential future relationship.
The paedophile hunters, who had set up the decoy profile, confronted Round in Ilkeston on January 18, 2019.
Following his arrest, Round chose not to comment during police interviews.
The authorities found no indecent images on his computers, and he was classified as a medium risk to the community.
His legal team, led by Gregory Purcell, argued that the actions taken by Round were unlikely to happen in reality, emphasizing that he has no previous convictions and has caring responsibilities.
His partner left him after his arrest, and he has shown some understanding of the wrongfulness of his actions.
Mr.
Purcell highlighted that Round, who has learning difficulties, demonstrated naivety by providing his real name and address to the paedophile hunters.
He also pointed out that no indecent images were discovered on his devices, suggesting that his risk to the community is not high.
Despite these mitigating factors, the court found his conduct to be serious.
Recorder Charles Falk sentenced Round to 18 months in prison and imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The judge emphasized that Round had actively initiated contact and was engaged in grooming behavior, stating, “You took the bait.
You initiated contact.
The decoy never led you on and never incited you to do anything you didn’t want to do.
In my judgment, you were continually grooming her.” The case underscores the ongoing dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.
