TREVOR RHODES FROM WEM TRAVELS 250 MILES TO KENT TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Trevor Rhodes, a 66-year-old man from Wem in Shropshire, was found to have traveled a significant distance with the apparent intent of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident unfolded after Rhodes, who is married and retired, drove approximately 250 miles to Kent, believing he was meeting a 14-year-old girl he had been communicating with online.

According to court proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Rhodes had been grooming the girl through internet messaging service MSN. Over a period of time, he engaged in highly sexualized conversations, during which he made explicit plans to meet her for sex. The court heard that Rhodes had started this online interaction in August and September of 2010, believing the girl was from Kent and was 14 years old. The conversations were described as 'highly sexualized,' indicating a clear intent on Rhodes's part to pursue a sexual encounter.

When Rhodes arrived in Kent, he discovered that the address provided by the girl did not exist. Despite this setback, he proceeded with his plans, and records showed that he had made the journey, which was confirmed by sat nav data from his vehicle. After the trip, Rhodes contacted the person he believed was the girl, expressing his frustration and anger, stating that he had driven a nine-hour round trip for 'absolutely nothing.'

Further investigation revealed that Rhodes had a troubling digital footprint. His computer contained 138 images of children, with one classified at level five, the most serious category of child exploitation material. This evidence was presented during the court proceedings, highlighting the severity of his offending. Rhodes had previously admitted to charges of making indecent images and attempting to meet a child following grooming.

During the hearing, Judge Peter Barrie sentenced Rhodes to a community order, which includes a requirement to complete a sex offender group work program and 36 months of supervision. Additionally, Rhodes was ordered to sign the sex offender register for five years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

Prosecutor Mr. Phillip Beardwell clarified that the police investigation was not part of an organized operation, and the Crown does not know the identity or age of the girl Rhodes believed he was meeting. Rhodes claimed that his digital activities were the result of rogue software, attempting to mitigate his responsibility.

Sarah Buckingham, representing Rhodes, emphasized that her client was a carer for his wife and argued that there was no evidence to suggest he had harmed a living child. She acknowledged that Rhodes recognized the gravity of his actions, describing them as 'truly appalling.' The case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.