LEEDS MURDERER MICHAEL GOULD EXPOSED AS PAEDOPHILE IN ONLINE STING
In a shocking turn of events, a man with a violent past from Leeds has been caught in a covert operation conducted by online paedophile hunters, revealing disturbing criminal behavior.The individual, identified as Michael Gould, who previously served time for murder, was found to be engaging in illicit activities involving a supposed 13-year-old girl.
Michael Gould, aged 56 and residing in Armley, Leeds, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment on November 11, 1999.
However, he was released on licence on December 11, 2017, and had been living under supervision since then.
His criminal history did not deter him from attempting to contact a minor online, which ultimately led to his exposure.
The incident unfolded in late 2019 when Gould initiated contact with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl through social media and messaging applications.
The online operation was orchestrated by the Elusive Child Protection Unit, which had set up a fake profile of a young girl in February 2019 to catch predators.
According to prosecutor Mehran Nassiri, Gould reached out to the profile via an app and inquired about the girl’s age.
The girl responded that she was 13, prompting Gould to continue his communication.
On October 22, 2019, Gould contacted the girl through WhatsApp, where he made disturbing disclosures, including claiming he was watching “daddy porn.” Over the following weeks, he sent sexually explicit messages, photographs of his genitals, and two videos of himself performing solo sexual acts.
These exchanges persisted until November 16, 2019, when the Elusive Child Protection Unit confronted Gould live on Facebook, streaming the encounter to the public.
The police were immediately alerted, and Gould was swiftly arrested at his residence on Theaker Lane, Armley.
During the subsequent court proceedings, Gould admitted to attempting to cause a child to view explicit photographs and videos of sexual activity, as well as engaging in sexual communication with a minor, between October 20 and November 17, 2019.
In sentencing, Recorder Dapinder Singh sentenced Gould to 13 months in prison.
The judge highlighted the severity of the case, noting the large volume of messages exchanged and Gould’s explicit comments, including a statement where he asked, “Where are you?” and suggested he might visit the girl.
After his arrest, Gould expressed remorse, telling police, “I’m sorry for what I have done.
I didn’t plan it, it just happened.” Furthermore, Gould was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his activities and contact, and his name will remain on the sex offender register for the same period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.
