Bus driver jailed for three years after sending explicit messages to fake 12-year-old
A Bexleyheath bus driver has been locked up for three years after trying to chat sexually to who he thought was a 12-year-old girl. In reality, it was a decoy account run by a paedophile hunter group.
Stephen Mayhew’s Creepy Chats Uncovered
Stephen Mayhew, 48, from Heavitree Road, Plumstead, used to work at Bexleyheath Bus Garage. Between November 2023 and July 2024, he sent explicit messages to the undercover account.
Police swooped on July 31, 2024. Mayhew later pleaded guilty to:
- Attempting sexual communication with a child
- Attempting to cause or incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 16 June 2025.
Long Ban and Digital Restrictions
Alongside his three-year jail term, Mayhew was slapped with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). This restricts his access to children and limits his use of digital devices.
The sting was organised by a vigilant online child protection group, who handed over the damning evidence to police.
Stay Alert: Report Online Predators
Authorities remind everyone to report suspicious online behaviour. If you suspect grooming or predatory acts, contact police or organisations like CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command).
For concerns about child safety and online grooming, visit ceop.police.uk or call 101 (non-emergency). For urgent danger, always dial 999.
