NATHAN SMITH ILKESTON PERVERT CAUGHT IN UNDERCOVER POLICE OPERATION IN DERBYSHIRE

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation, Nathan Smith, a resident of Ilkeston in Derbyshire, was caught in a sting operation involving undercover police officers. The incident dates back to June 7, 2017, when an officer, posing as a 12-year-old girl named 'Ruby,' created a fake online profile to lure potential offenders.

According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Smith, a father of three, believed he was communicating with a young girl of similar age. He initially introduced himself as 'Mark Smith,' claiming to be a 21-year-old firefighter from Manchester. During the online exchange, Smith asked 'Ruby' about her age, to which she responded that she was 12. He then proceeded to compliment her, telling her she looked 'sexy' and referring to himself as 'daddy.'

What followed was a series of increasingly inappropriate messages. Smith sent a vile image of male genitalia to the undercover officer, who was pretending to be a young girl. In the message, he also made explicit comments about having sex with a child and fantasized about what he would do to her. The police had set up this operation to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage in sexual communication with minors online.

During the trial, which was scheduled to begin, Smith unexpectedly pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The court heard how he had sent the indecent image and made sexually explicit remarks, believing he was communicating with a minor.

Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced Nathan Smith to a three-year community order. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting young people from predators like Smith, stating, 'A lot of people think there are no victims in cases like this. In this particular case, there were no physical victims because it was a police officer acting undercover. But what the police officers are doing is seeking to protect young people who are persuaded by people like you to participate in this kind of conversation and receive the disgusting photographs you sent to ‘Ruby’.'

As part of his sentence, Smith was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, attend 30 days of rehabilitation programs, and participate in a 90-hour sex offender rehabilitation scheme. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his future conduct and ensuring community safety.