Man Jailed for Trying to Groom 12-Year-Old Online
Gillingham Man Busted in Online Grooming Sting
Steven Tonks, 50, from Windmill Road, Gillingham, was sentenced to one year behind bars at Maidstone Crown Court on 26 March 2021. The charge? Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Explicit Chats and Shocking Images
Between 6 and 21 November 2018, Tonks believed he was chatting with a 12-year-old girl online. During their conversations, he made explicit sexual remarks and sent indecent images of himself. Caught in the act, he was arrested on 21 November in Goudhurst Road, Gillingham.
Police Warn Others to Speak Up
“Tonks engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a person he believed to be a young child,” said Detective Constable Chris Horan. “I believe he would have continued and likely escalated his offending if not stopped.”
“Anyone with similar concerns should contact Kent Police. We take all reports seriously and will investigate.”
