PAUL BICKNELL FROM DERBY CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL PLOT
In December 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Paul Bicknell, a resident of Derby, who became the subject of a serious criminal investigation after engaging in inappropriate online communications with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.The incident was part of an undercover operation conducted by a Burton-based paedophile hunter group called Children's Innocence Matters, led by Maria Clarke.
Maria Clarke, operating under the guise of a teenage girl, engaged in online conversations with Bicknell, who was 40 years old at the time.
During their exchanges, Bicknell was led to believe he was speaking with a minor, and he made several concerning advances.
He sent a photograph of his private parts to the decoy and inquired about her sexual experiences, even inviting her to his home in Derby.
These actions raised alarm bells and prompted immediate action from the group.
Following the online interactions, Children's Innocence Matters took the step of visiting Bicknell’s residence on Arthur Street in Derby.
They recorded the encounter, which was subsequently shared online as part of their efforts to raise awareness and prevent similar crimes.
The police were also involved, and Bicknell was arrested at his home shortly after the confrontation.
During police interviews, Bicknell denied any sexual interest in the girl, claiming he was unaware that she was a decoy.
However, the evidence against him was substantial.
It was revealed that he had contacted the individual known as “Shelly” via Facebook in May of the previous year.
The girl, who was actually Maria Clarke, posed as a 13-year-old, and Bicknell believed he was communicating with a minor.
According to prosecutor Julia King, Bicknell initially claimed he was 36 and that the girl was only a friend, dismissing her concerns about age.
But the conversation quickly turned more explicit.
Miss King explained that Bicknell asked the girl if she had ever had sex, and when she responded negatively, he pressed further, asking if she would have sex.
His language became increasingly inappropriate, greeting her online with the phrase “hello sexy” and asking if she wanted to see his private parts.
He then sent an explicit image and provided his address, which prompted the group to take further action.
Following the arrest, Bicknell appeared before Derby Crown Court.
The judge, Jonathan Bennett, acknowledged the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that although the girl was a decoy, Bicknell’s actions were highly concerning.
The judge stated, “You attempted to contact a girl about sexual matters.
It was not a child, it was a decoy, but you did not know that.
You sent her a picture of your private parts, there was a discussion about meeting, involving her coming to your property.
These are serious matters.” In sentencing, Bicknell received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be closely monitored.
Additionally, he was subjected to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offender register for the same duration.
The court also mandated that he complete 120 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, aiming to address his behavior and prevent future offenses.
