SIMON BURRIN CAUGHT IN CANTERBURY AND HEATHFIELD PAEDOPHILE STING

In a case that has garnered significant attention, Simon Burrin, a 37-year-old man with ties to Canterbury and currently residing in Heathfield, East Sussex, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after being caught in a covert operation conducted by an anti-paedophile group known as Internet Interceptors. The incident unfolded in July 2018 and highlights the ongoing efforts of vigilante groups to combat online child exploitation, though authorities have issued warnings about the dangers of such actions.

According to court records, Burrin, who was employed as a bartender at Limes, a pub located on Rosemary Lane in Canterbury, believed he was engaging with a 14-year-old boy through a dating app called Grindr. During their online exchanges, Burrin sent five explicit images of himself and expressed a desire to meet the minor in person. He claimed that he had recently ended a seven-year relationship and was feeling emotionally vulnerable, which prompted him to initiate the online contact and suggest a meeting after consuming alcohol.

The court was informed that the individual Burrin believed to be a teenage boy was, in fact, an undercover investigator from Internet Interceptors, a group dedicated to exposing potential online predators. This case is believed to be among the first involving such vigilante groups to be brought before Canterbury Crown Court. The group’s operation culminated in Burrin’s arrest at approximately 10:30 pm on July 25, 2018, when the group confronted him while he was working behind the bar at the Canterbury pub.

Following his arrest, Internet Interceptors released five videos on their Facebook page, capturing Burrin’s interactions with the fake profile. In one of the videos, Burrin is heard claiming that his intention was merely to meet the minor for “cuddles,” and he is seen saying, “I’m a silly boy, well, silly man really. I can’t explain it.” These admissions and the evidence collected led to his charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge James O’Mahony acknowledged that Burrin was a hard-working individual with no prior convictions related to sexual offences. However, he emphasized the court’s duty to protect children from potential harm, stating, “The victim was not a real boy, and while consenting adults can exchange sexual talk online, the court must protect children from potential harm from sexual activity on the internet.”

Detective Inspector Rob Chitham of Kent Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team issued a cautionary statement regarding vigilante actions. He warned that taking the law into one’s own hands can be perilous, often leading to the exposure of suspects’ identities based on flawed or limited information. Such actions can also divert police resources and pose risks to the safety of those involved. Chitham reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are actively targeting these offences and working diligently to gather evidence through lawful means that will withstand judicial scrutiny.

In summary, the case of Simon Burrin underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities and community groups in addressing online child exploitation. While vigilante groups aim to protect children, experts continue to stress the importance of lawful investigation and police-led operations to ensure justice and safety for all.