TIVERTON MAN OLIVER GUTTERIDGE CAUGHT IN CHILD SEX PREDATION SCHEME

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Tiverton, Oliver Gutteridge, aged 41, faced serious criminal charges related to online child exploitation. The incident unfolded after Gutteridge engaged in a series of disturbing online communications with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl, but was in fact a decoy created by a specialized UK database team dedicated to combating online child predators.

In October 2020, Gutteridge appeared at Exeter Crown Court to admit to multiple charges, including attempting to communicate sexually with a minor, encouraging the minor to view pornography, and attempting to induce the girl to engage in sexual activities. He also confessed to trying to meet the girl in person, which marked a significant escalation in his predatory behavior.

The court was informed that Gutteridge initiated an online conversation with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl. Over several weeks, he sent hundreds of sexually explicit messages, including explicit images of himself and videos of adult pornography. Throughout this period, he repeatedly expressed his desire to have her in his bed, despite her repeatedly stating her age and her school status. Gutteridge appeared to accept her claims of being only 13, which further underscores the disturbing nature of his grooming efforts.

As the grooming progressed, Gutteridge expressed his intention to meet the girl in Tiverton, his hometown. He explained that he would take her back to his residence after the meeting. The planned rendezvous was set for June 28, 2018, at the Tesco car park in Tiverton. However, this meeting was part of an elaborate sting operation conducted by the UK database paedophile hunting team, who had created the profile of the girl to trap online predators.

On the day of the planned meeting, Gutteridge arrived at the designated location, where he was promptly confronted by the team surrounding his vehicle. He reacted aggressively, kicking out and threatening the members of the team. A Tesco security guard, witnessing the confrontation, came outside and observed the team questioning Gutteridge. The authorities had already been alerted and called the police.

When law enforcement officers arrived, Gutteridge claimed he did not have a phone. However, the UK database team, who had been communicating with him during the sting, knew otherwise. They used their evidence to call his phone, which was heard ringing from beneath a board in the back of his van. This confirmed his deception and involvement.

Gutteridge was arrested at the scene, and the police seized evidence that linked him to the attempted online grooming and predatory behavior. The case was adjourned for sentencing, which was scheduled to take place in December at Exeter Crown Court. Judge Timothy Rose presided over the case, emphasizing the severity of Gutteridge’s actions and the importance of protecting children from such predators.