Sex Offender Caught Working at Portsmouth Co-op
Co-op Southern has confirmed they removed a frontline staff member from their Portsmouth store this morning after discovering he is a convicted sex offender. An internal investigation is now underway.
Convicted Offender Worked Undetected
Francis Knight, a known sex offender, secured employment at the Co-op without disclosing his criminal past or status on the sex offenders register. Until today, he worked at the Co-op on Northern Parade, Portsmouth, and also covered shifts at the Tangier Road branch.
Co-op Southern thanked the public for flagging the issue and acted swiftly to remove Knight once they were made aware.
Disturbing Criminal History
Knight’s record is chilling. In 2013, he created fake online profiles of teenage girls to lure boys into carrying out sick demands. Even after being arrested, Knight – then employed at Tesco – continued his offending.
Prosecutor Jane Terry revealed Knight’s tactic: “He sent friend requests under cloned identities to groups of people who knew each other, lulling victims into a false sense of security.”
He was jailed for 16 months for 18 counts, including inciting children to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of children. Judge John Dixon called his actions “calculated and artful” and noted the “considerable distress” caused.
Investigation Ongoing – Charges Likely
Co-op Southern promises to update the public after their probe, which may lead to Hampshire authorities pressing charges for obtaining employment by deception among other offences.
This alarming revelation might have gone unnoticed if not for the efforts of campaign group UKPaedos, who uncovered the story. They deserve huge credit for their investigative work. Follow their updates at UKPaedos WordPress or on Facebook @UK.Paedos.
