SIMON WILKINSON SENTENCED IN BRISTOL AFTER MULTIPLE ONLINE OFFENCES
Simon Wilkinson, 40, of High Street in Staple Hill, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being caught attempting to engage with underage girls online in Bristol.He demonstrated a persistent and troubling desire to communicate sexually with minors and seek intimacy with them, Bristol Crown Court was told.
However, Wilkinson was initially speaking with individuals posing as children—paedophile hunters—who caught his attention.
The court heard that Wilkinson was first arrested after making lewd suggestions to someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl named Clare, who was actually a member of the paedophile hunters group Safeguarding The Innocent.
During analysis of his phone, authorities discovered he had deleted three child abuse images classified at Category C—the lowest concern level.
Richard Posner, prosecuting, stated, "He was released under investigation.
He returned to a similar pattern of offences of a similar nature." Wilkinson then engaged in sexual conversations with another girl, 'Megan,' aged 15, who was also revealed to be the same paedophile hunter who had previously caught him.
Following further police intervention, Wilkinson was arrested again.
During interviews, he chose not to comment and was released once more pending further inquiries.
Despite his release, he continued engaging in lewd chats with 'Megan' and was arrested for a third time after police uncovered 23 deleted child abuse images from his phone, 11 of which were rated at Category A—the highest level of concern.
Prosecutor Richard Posner highlighted the seriousness of these findings.
The investigation focused on potential other victims and involved extensive device analysis.
Judge Julian Lambert condemned Wilkinson, stating, "Why was he released twice?
It baffles me as to how that could be allowed to happen.
It is terribly worrying for the public." In addition to his prison sentence, Wilkinson received an indefinite sexual harm prevention order prohibiting unchecked internet access and contact with minors.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Clare Fear, defending Wilkinson, remarked that her client had reflected deeply during remand and was committed to making positive changes, attempting to "put himself right."
