Registered Sex Offender Busted in Online Decoy Sting
Daniel Thomas, 33, from Westbury, has been locked up after a Wiltshire Police probe backed by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) uncovered his online predator antics.
Thomas Targets ‘Teen’ in Online Trap
Between May 4 and June 27, Thomas, a known registered sex offender, was caught chatting on social media with what he thought was a teenager. In reality, it was a specially trained police officer posing as a young victim.
The conversation quickly turned sexual. Police swooped on June 28, arresting Thomas on suspicion of sexual communications with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, and breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Four Years Inside for Repeat Offender
At Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, Thomas was sentenced to four years and four months behind bars, plus an extended licence period of three years.
“Thomas is a repeat offender who has persistently targeted children and tried to involve them in sexual activity,” said PC Whittaker of the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) unit. “By closely monitoring his SHPO, we used a decoy operation to catch him and protect vulnerable children.”
Detective Inspector David Wells from SWROCU’s Online Investigations Team added: “Thomas repeatedly tried to groom young children online. The sentence reflects the serious risk he posed. Law enforcement is committed to stopping offenders like him. It’s vital that parents and kids stay vigilant and take steps to stay safe online.”
Help and Advice for Parents and Carers
- For expert advice on online safety, visit the NSPCC website.
- If you have concerns about inappropriate thoughts or behaviour toward children, or worry about someone you know, contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for confidential support.
