Southampton Man Caught Trying to Chat Up ‘13-Year-Old’ Online
Thomas Williamson, 22, of Southampton, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to attempting to engage in a sexual conversation with someone he believed was just 13 years old. But the supposed teen was actually a decoy from the paedophile hunting group, Catching Online Predators.
Explicit Messages and Nude Selfies Sent Straight Away
Williamson immediately bombarded the fake profile with highly explicit messages, hoping to lure the “child” into sexual activity. He also sent multiple naked selfies, trying to swap indecent images with the schoolgirl.
When “she” refused to send pictures back, Williamson hounded her relentlessly for naked photos. He even claimed other underage girls had sent him indecent snaps—though this was a lie to coax the victim into compliance.
Confronted, Arrested, and Avoids Jail
Admitting he had received naked photos, Williamson was confronted at his Southampton home by the hunting team. After being questioned, he confessed to his offending. Police were called, and Williamson was arrested and grilled by officers.
Despite the serious charges, Williamson dodged prison. Instead, the court handed him a two-year community order, including 60 days of mandatory Rehabilitation Activity Requirements under probation supervision.
Long-Term Sex Offender Restrictions Imposed
Williamson also faces a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and must register as a sex offender for the same period.
