HARTLEPOOL MAN TERRY HOYLAND CAUGHT IN ONLINE SEX CHAT WITH UNDERAGE GIRLS BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS
In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Terry Hoyland, a resident of Hartlepool, was caught engaging in illicit conversations with what he believed were underage girls.The incident unfolded in January 2019, when Hoyland, aged 30 at the time, thought he was communicating with two minors aged 13 and 14 through fake profiles created by vigilant paedophile hunter groups, Guardians of the North and Dark Justice.
These groups, known for their sting operations, pose as children online to identify and expose adults seeking illegal contact.
They tracked down Hoyland after he initiated conversations with the fake profiles and recorded their confrontation, which was later presented in court.
During the recorded exchange, Hoyland openly admitted, “I do not know where my life is going to go to next,” revealing a sense of despair or confusion.
A member of the hunter groups responded firmly, warning him, “You are going to get arrested.
You will be taken to the police station.” Prosecutor Alec Burns explained that both conversations took place in January 2019.
In the first interaction, Hoyland communicated with a profile of a girl named ‘Chloe,’ who was portrayed as a 13-year-old girl.
This profile was set up by Guardians of the North.
During this chat, Hoyland sent a naked photograph of himself in the bath and asked for indecent images in return.
He also discussed visiting her at his home, suggesting they could “kiss, cuddle, play fight and feel her under her clothes.” Furthermore, he talked about engaging in intimate acts and expressed concern that a man asking a 13-year-old girl for sex would be considered a “paedophile,” stating he would instead watch a film rather than continue the conversation.
In a separate conversation, with a profile named Amy, created by Dark Justice, Hoyland again sent the naked photo of himself.
He inquired about her sexual experience and asked what stage of puberty she had reached.
These exchanges demonstrated his inappropriate intentions and willingness to engage in illegal activity involving minors.
Mr.
Burns added that Hoyland was traced and approached by both groups on February 2, 2019.
When confronted, he admitted, “I was stupid, I got carried away with the chat,” indicating remorse or acknowledgment of his misconduct.
Hoyland, who resides on Brookes Crescent in Hartlepool, faced charges of attempting to communicate with a child for sexual gratification.
His actions led to a court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, where he was sentenced by Mr.
Recorder Jonathan Sandiford QC.
Hoyland received a community order for three years, which includes various program requirements aimed at rehabilitation.
Additionally, he is subject to a sexual harm prevention order and is required to sign the sex offenders register for a period of five years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the measures taken to prevent future harm.
