PHILLIP CORNOCK FROM SOUTHAMPTON ADMITS CHILD SEX OFFENCE AFTER VIGILANTE STING

In August 2023, a troubling case emerged involving Phillip Cornock, a man with a history rooted in Southampton, who found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation related to child exploitation. Cornock, a 33-year-old former pub manager from Denzil Avenue in Southampton, publicly admitted to engaging in inappropriate and illegal communications with a person he believed to be a minor.

According to court proceedings held at Southampton Crown Court, Cornock pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate with someone he thought was a boy under the age of 16 for sexual purposes. The court was informed that the charges stemmed from messages sent via WhatsApp, where Cornock believed he was corresponding with a young male. However, the individual he was communicating with was part of a vigilante group conducting a paedophile sting operation, rather than a minor.

His arrest was the result of an operation carried out by a vigilant group that had gone to his residence, rather than the initial meeting location at a JD Sports store where he was supposed to meet the supposed minor. Prosecutor Keely Harvey explained to the court that the vigilante team had 'got ahead of themselves' by visiting Cornock's home instead of the designated meeting point. When police arrived, Cornock cooperated fully, handing over his iWatch, iPhone, and Samsung Flip4 along with all passcodes, in an apparent attempt to demonstrate transparency.

Cornock, who resides on Denzil Avenue, expressed his remorse and explained his decision to plead guilty. In a statement read out in court, he said, 'I pleaded guilty because all the evidence is WhatsApp messages and they cannot tell who sent them.' He further stated, 'The barrister advised me to plead guilty when I am not.' He admitted that choosing to accept guilt was not an easy decision but was made because he believed it was the easier path, especially considering his family’s well-being. Cornock emphasized that he was concerned about the unfair treatment his family was receiving due to the case, asserting, 'Anyone that has ever known me knows I hate kids.'

During the hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped two charges against Cornock, specifically attempting to meet a boy under 16 and attempting to cause a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity. These charges were dismissed, leaving the primary charge of attempting to communicate with a minor for sexual purposes.

Cornock reflected on the consequences of his actions and the impact on his personal life, stating, 'When the police came I handed them my iWatch, iPhone and Samsung Flip4 and handed them all my passcodes.' He also lamented the loss of his reputation and career, saying, 'If you think I should have gone to prison for something I have never done just think of this. I have lost my friends, lost my licence to run bars and more.'

The court has scheduled his sentencing for a later date, where further legal decisions will be made regarding his case. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predatory behavior.