PAUL MIDDLETON FROM SUNDERLAND CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE PAEDOPHILE PLOT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community in Sunderland, Paul Middleton, a former councillor, has been found guilty of attempting to engage in sexually explicit communication with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl.The incident took place during an online chat session set up by police as part of an operation targeting online predators.
Middleton, aged 44 and residing in Sandpiper Close, Ayton, Washington, was unaware that the profile he was communicating with was a police decoy named Maddie.
According to court proceedings, Middleton initiated contact with the decoy profile on the Lycos chat platform in August 2017.
During the conversation, he quickly shifted the tone to highly inappropriate and sexualized topics, despite being informed that the girl was only 12 years old and living in a care home.
Middleton's comments included questions about whether she had engaged in sexual activity with boys at the care facility and whether she enjoyed 'naughty fun.' The police had set up the profile to catch individuals seeking to exploit minors online.
Middleton, after revealing his age, was told that Maddie would turn 13 on her next birthday.
The conversation, which lasted for a single day, became increasingly suggestive, with Middleton asking if she had had sex and if she would like to.
Although he sent a friend request afterward, no further contact was made.
When Middleton was arrested in June of the following year, he claimed to vaguely remember the conversation but insisted that his actions were not driven by sexual gratification.
Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin highlighted that Middleton had expressed a negative view of such behavior but continued to deny any sexual interest in children.
Middleton also stated that he was distressed by his actions and cited personal problems and health issues within his family as mitigating factors.
During the court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tim Gittins condemned Middleton’s behavior, describing it as a clear attempt to seek sexual gratification.
The judge dismissed Middleton’s claim that the messages were merely 'jokey banter,' emphasizing that the conversation was overtly sexualized and inappropriate.
He pointed out that Middleton, being an intelligent man, was fully aware of the wrongfulness of his actions.
Middleton pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate with a child for sexual purposes.
As part of his sentence, he received four months of imprisonment suspended for 18 months, along with a three-month curfew.
Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and is required to register as a sex offender for the next seven years.
This case has once again raised concerns about online safety and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from predators.
Middleton’s actions have led to his suspension from the Labour Party, which had initially suspended him in June 2018 pending an investigation.
He subsequently lost his seat on Sunderland City Council on December 6 after failing to attend meetings for six months, marking a significant fall from his previous political standing.
