PHILIP JACOBS CAUGHT IN ALDWICK ONLINE GROOMING SCHEME AT LIVERPOOL HOTEL

In June 2018, a serious online grooming incident unfolded involving Philip John Jacobs, a 43-year-old coach driver from Rochester Way, Aldwick, Sussex. Jacobs found himself at the center of a criminal investigation after he was caught attempting to engage in sexual activities with what he believed to be underage girls through online communications.

Jacobs appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to face multiple charges related to his online conduct. He pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual conversations with a minor under the age of 16, and inciting a girl under 16 into sexual activity. The court was informed that Jacobs had contacted a total of 36 online profiles, all of which he believed belonged to young girls. His communications involved explicit sexual chats, with the intent of grooming these girls into engaging in sexual acts.

According to court reports, Jacobs had planned to meet one of these 'girls' at the hotel where he was staying in Liverpool. His messages detailed disturbing desires, including stripping her naked, teaching her how to masturbate, and instructing her on how to have sex. However, the individuals Jacobs believed he was communicating with were actually adults posing online as minors. This deception was part of an operation conducted by the 'Hunting 4 Justice' team, who had been monitoring his online activity.

When the team arrived at the hotel to confront Jacobs, they identified themselves and questioned him about his internet activity and his contact with the supposed underage girls. The team then handed over their evidence to the police. During subsequent investigations, authorities discovered that Jacobs had also sent sexual messages to 35 other decoys, all of whom were aged between 11 and 15 years old. These additional victims further highlighted the extent of his inappropriate online behavior.

Following his court appearance and subsequent conviction, Jacobs faced disciplinary action from his employer, resulting in his dismissal from his role as a coach driver. The court sentenced him to a 15-month suspended prison term, which would be served over two years. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for a period of 10 years, requiring Jacobs to register as a sex offender for the same duration. He was also subjected to a four-month electronic tagging requirement, which restricted his movements between 7 pm and 7 am.

Furthermore, Jacobs was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service, along with a 30-day rehabilitation course and a 30-day Sexual Harm Prevention Course. These measures aimed to prevent future offenses and ensure ongoing monitoring of his activities, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the efforts to protect potential victims from similar predatory behavior.