THOMAS DE OF HAMMERSMITH BUSTED IN STEVENAGE CHILD GROOMING AND FINGER-BITING INCIDENT

In December 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded at Stevenage railway station involving Thomas De, a 46-year-old man from Hammersmith, who was caught in a sting operation by a vigilante group known as 'Catching On Line Predators.'

De was under the impression that he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. The group had set up a decoy Facebook profile under the fictitious name Maddie Parker, simulating a teenage girl. De initiated contact through this account, making sexual suggestions and engaging in explicit conversations, which clearly indicated his intent to meet for sexual purposes.

According to court proceedings, De arrived at Stevenage railway station expecting to meet the girl in the nearby woods. However, he was quickly confronted by members of the vigilante group. A struggle ensued during which De was restrained on the ground. During this violent confrontation, De bit into the finger of Steven Little, a nurse and member of the group, with such force that the finger later required amputation.

Steven Little recounted the incident, stating, 'He clamped on to my finger with his teeth. I remember excruciating pain.' The attack was described by the judge as a 'savage assault,' leaving Mr. Little both physically and psychologically scarred.

De was subsequently charged and convicted of attempting to meet a child under 16 following grooming, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and common assault. During the trial, it was revealed that De had also been communicating with three other decoy girls set up by the same vigilante group on Facebook.

In court, Judge Michael Kay QC sentenced De to ten years in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of the attack, describing it as 'wild and savage,' and highlighted the lasting impact on Mr. Little. Additionally, De was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Throughout the proceedings, De appeared via video link from Bedford prison. The court also noted that he had changed his plea to guilty on the charge of causing racially aggravated harm or distress, although he was acquitted of assault by beating.

These events underscore the dangers posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilant efforts to protect minors from predators. The case remains a stark reminder of the violent consequences that can arise from such criminal activities, and the justice system's response to these heinous acts.