PAUL SOUTHERN OF SUNDERLAND REPEATEDLY TRIES TO LURE CHILDREN IN ONLINE PLOTS AT SUNDERLAND HOME
In a disturbing series of events, Paul Southern, a resident of Sunderland, has been repeatedly caught attempting to engage with underage boys through online platforms, leading to his re-incarceration and strict legal restrictions.The latest incident occurred after Southern was already under a sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from having any contact with minors, a measure imposed following his previous convictions.
Southern’s recent arrest was triggered when he tried to invite a child, whom he believed to be 14 years old, to his home for what he described as a casual meeting over tea.
This attempt was orchestrated through the online dating app Grindr, a platform he had used before in similar attempts.
Members of the vigilante group Guardians of the North, who pose as children online to catch potential predators, identified Southern’s address and responded to his invitation.
According to prosecutor Mark Guiliani, the group’s members went to Southern’s residence after he extended the invitation, expecting a 14-year-old boy to arrive.
Instead, they arrived at his doorstep and promptly alerted the police.
The authorities responded swiftly, and Southern was taken into custody.
He subsequently admitted to breaching the sexual harm prevention order that had been placed on him.
Judge Tim Gittins, presiding over the case at Newcastle Crown Court, sentenced Southern to 16 months in prison.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that if Southern had been able to meet an actual child, “likely significant sexual contact would have followed.” The judge further explained that Southern’s actions went beyond a mere breach of the order; they constituted an attempt to groom a minor under 16 for sexual activity.
Judge Gittins clarified that Southern was permitted to use the site to meet adults but made it clear that he was willing and ready to contact underage boys for sexual purposes if given the opportunity.
Southern, who resides on Hendon Burn Avenue in Sunderland, remains subject to the sexual harm prevention order indefinitely and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
These measures are part of ongoing efforts to prevent further offenses and protect minors from potential harm.
His criminal history dates back to May 2017, when he was caught twice inviting children to his home for sex through online means.
In that instance, Southern believed he was communicating with underage boys on Grindr, but he was actually speaking with undercover members of Guardians of the North who had set up fake profiles to expose predators.
In the first incident, Southern contacted a profile claiming to be “Ryan,” a 14-year-old boy.
Despite knowing the age of the individual he was chatting with, Southern invited him to his home, engaged in explicit sexual conversations, and even offered to pay for transportation.
When confronted by police, Southern claimed he had been “set up.” Just two months later, while on police bail from the first incident, Southern contacted another profile on the same app, this time claiming to be “Thomas,” again a 14-year-old.
He continued to engage in sexual discussions and provided his address, inviting the boy to visit him.
The group Guardians of the North again intervened, and police arrested Southern once more.
He maintained that he had been “set up” during this second confrontation.
Southern, of Dinsdale Street South in Ryhope, Sunderland, faced charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced him to 21 months in prison, accompanied by a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and a ten-year registration on the sex offenders register.
The judge expressed concern that Southern had reoffended despite being on bail, highlighting the seriousness of his actions and the necessity of the restrictions to safeguard minors.
Judge Rippon emphasized that Southern’s claims of being “set up” were false, underscoring the predatory nature of his conduct and the ongoing threat he poses.
