PAUL MOORE FROM SHEERNESS JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN KENT

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and vigilantism, Paul Moore, a 34-year-old dock worker from Sheerness, was sentenced to two years in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor and attempting to meet her in person. The incident unfolded after Moore initiated contact with a girl he believed to be 12 years old, using the dating app Qeep to communicate.

According to court proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent, Moore was fully aware of the girl’s age when he began exchanging explicit messages with her. The girl, known as Gemma, was portrayed as a young teenager, and Moore’s messages quickly turned sexual in nature. He referred to her as his girlfriend and even expressed intentions to book a hotel for their meeting, demonstrating a clear desire to pursue a physical relationship.

The court heard that Moore had arranged to meet Gemma at Chatham railway station in Kent on November 3 of the previous year. However, before the meeting could take place, Moore was confronted by online paedophile hunters from the group Protecting Kids Online UK. These vigilantes had set up a sting, posing as the girl, and recorded the moment Moore learned that Gemma was not a 12-year-old girl but an adult woman pretending to be a minor.

Footage capturing Moore’s reaction during the confrontation was later shared on social media, where it garnered over 40,000 views, drawing widespread attention to the case. The video showed Moore’s shock and distress as he realized he had been caught in the act.

Moore’s background includes a separation from his wife shortly after the birth of their son two years prior. His actions in this case led to his arrest and subsequent detention. During the court hearing, prosecutor Ian Foinette detailed the timeline of events, revealing that the sexual messaging began on October 24, after the girl indicated she would turn 13 on October 30. Moore’s messages included explicit questions about sex, references to condom use to prevent pregnancy, and instructions for the girl to watch pornography and play with herself to prepare for their meeting.

He also asked her to delete a photograph of his genitals, fearing her mother might see it, and inquired about her breasts, further demonstrating his grooming behavior. Despite the arrangements, Moore failed to appear at the first meeting point but was confronted at the second planned encounter at Chatham railway station.

Following his arrest, Moore was held in custody for his own protection. The confrontation with the online vigilantes was recorded and subsequently posted on Facebook, which likely caused him significant embarrassment and legal repercussions. As part of his sentence, Moore is required to register as a sex offender and will be prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults upon his release, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes.