Ex-Red Funnel Officer Caught Grooming Child Online – Avoids Jail
Matthew Parker, 41, a former first officer at Red Funnel, narrowly dodged prison after trying to meet a boy he believed was just 13. Southampton Crown Court handed him a suspended sentence following his guilty plea to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
12 Months Inside – Suspended for 2 Years
Parker was sentenced to 12 months behind bars, suspended for two years. He must also register on the Sex Offenders Register for a decade and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 10 years. Plus, the court ordered 55 days of rehabilitation to complete.
Trapped by Paedophile Hunter
Using Grindr and other apps, Parker contacted someone he believed was a 13-year-old boy. But the “boy” was actually an adult paedophile hunter. The sting took place at Thorpe Park in July 2018. Police were tipped off and arrested Parker on the spot.
Though Parker’s messages about kissing and cuddling were deemed inappropriate, no physical meeting beyond the arranged encounter happened, and no explicit photos were shared.
Aftermath and Red Funnel Response
Since his arrest, Parker has undergone counselling. Red Funnel confirmed he left the company in October last year.
A company spokesperson said, “As the court ruling against Mr Parker does not pertain to his employment at Red Funnel, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment for legal and data protection reasons.”
