TONY FORD FROM HAVANT ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PREDATORY ONLINE PLOTS WITH TEEN GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Havant, Tony Ford, aged 36, narrowly avoided imprisonment after attempting to meet with what he believed were underage girls for sexual encounters. The incident unfolded over a span of 12 days, from March 12 to March 23, during which Ford engaged in a series of online conversations with individuals he thought were teenage girls, but who were actually decoys set up by paedophile hunters.

According to court proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court, Ford initiated contact with three girls, two of whom he believed to be 13 years old and the third 14. During these interactions, Ford expressed concern that their illicit plans might be discovered, stating, “We will get into trouble for this.”

The prosecution, led by Grace McConnell, detailed how Ford first communicated with a girl who claimed to be 13. Initially, Ford claimed he was 15, but he soon revealed his true age of 34. He then proceeded to ask for explicit photographs, including images of her genitalia, and attempted to initiate a video call. He also requested intimate pictures of himself, explicitly instructing her not to tell her mother about their exchanges. The court heard that Ford’s predatory behavior escalated as he urged the girl to send him pictures of his penis and made inappropriate requests.

When the decoys revealed to Ford that they were not the children he believed them to be, he responded with a crude sexual remark. Despite this warning, Ford continued his pursuit by engaging with a second girl, also aged 13. He disclosed his age as 34 and expressed concern about the illegality of their interactions, saying, “We will get into trouble for this as you are 13 and I am 34.”

Ford then asked to meet her in person, offered money, and described performing a sex act on himself. He made an unsuccessful attempt to initiate a video call and inquired if she had started her period. Court documents reveal that Ford told her he loved her and asked if she was his girlfriend, further demonstrating his inappropriate intentions.

His interactions with the third girl involved requesting “sexy images,” instructing her not to tell her mother, and asking if he was her boyfriend after sending explicit images. These actions underscored the predatory nature of his conduct.

Following his arrest, Ford was interviewed by police. During questioning, he described his actions as a “big mistake” but insisted that he had “no sexual interest in children,” a claim that was met with skepticism given the evidence.

Ford, who resides on Blackmoor Walk in Havant, pleaded guilty to three charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The court acknowledged the seriousness of his offenses but decided against sending him to prison. Instead, Ford was sentenced to a 10-month jail term, suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, he is required to complete a sex offenders’ treatment program, undertake 30 days of rehabilitation, and pay costs amounting to £425. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order has been imposed for a period of 10 years to restrict his future conduct and protect the community from potential harm.