ROBERT SILVERTHORNE CAUGHT IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTING TEAM

In June 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Robert Silverthorne, a 54-year-old salesman from Weston-super-Mare, who was caught in a sting operation conducted by a paedophile hunting team. Silverthorne believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl online, but in reality, he was interacting with members of the 'PH balance' team, who pose as minors to catch individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual activities with children.

Silverthorne appeared before Cardiff Crown Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty to four serious charges. These charges included sexual communication with a child, sending an indecent image to a minor, inciting a child into sexual activity, and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. The court proceedings revealed that Silverthorne, who was also an officer in the Sea Cadets, had initiated contact with what he believed was a teenage girl, sending sexually explicit messages and images of his private parts.

The jury took only a few minutes to reach a verdict, swiftly convicting Silverthorne on all four counts. The court sentenced him to a total of 44 months in prison, but because the sentences for each charge are to be served concurrently, he will serve just two years behind bars.

During the trial, it was emphasized that Silverthorne’s actions were part of a calculated attempt to groom a minor for sexual activity. The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order, which will remain in effect for ten years, restricting his contact with minors and monitoring his activities. Additionally, Silverthorne was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade, ensuring ongoing oversight of his conduct to protect the community from potential harm.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and specialized online teams to combat the exploitation of children and bring offenders to justice, especially in cases where individuals like Silverthorne attempt to abuse their positions or trust to commit such heinous acts.