NICKY BOOTON FROM DOVER CAUGHT POSING AS BARBER FOR YOUNG BOYS ON FACEBOOK

In June 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Nicky Booton, a resident of Belgrave Road in Dover, who was caught engaging in inappropriate online behavior targeting minors. Booton created a fake Facebook account under the alias "Nick Boot," falsely presenting himself as a professional barber specializing in services for boys under the age of 16. This act was a clear violation of a longstanding Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that had been imposed on him, which restricts his online activities and contact with minors.

What made this case particularly alarming was that Booton used a computer that he was aware was under police surveillance to set up and operate the fake account. This indicates a deliberate attempt to circumvent law enforcement restrictions and continue his inappropriate pursuits through social media platforms. His actions not only breached the terms of his SOPO but also raised serious concerns about his ongoing intentions and potential risk to children.

Booton’s criminal history further complicates the case. In 2009, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to possessing and creating indecent images of children. His previous conviction underscores a pattern of concerning behavior related to child exploitation.

Most recently, in October of the previous year, Booton was sent back to prison, and on the Friday before the court proceedings, he appeared before magistrates in Margate. The magistrates decided to refer his case to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, although a specific date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Booton’s brother, Matthew Booton, is also a convicted sex offender. Matthew received an eight-month prison sentence and was ordered to register as a sex offender. He admitted to possessing six indecent images of children and creating one such image himself. The images included five classified as the most severe category, level five, which involved depictions of sadism or bestiality involving children. Police investigations uncovered a total of 677 indecent images and one video clip related to Matthew Booton, highlighting a disturbing pattern of offending within the family.

Authorities continue to pursue justice in this case, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Nicky Booton and the importance of strict enforcement of sex offender restrictions to protect vulnerable children in Dover and beyond.