Bristol Man Jailed for Trying to Sexually Abuse ‘Child’ – But Victim Was Undercover Cop
Michael Bamfield, 59, from Bristol, has been locked up for two years and nine months after plotting to sexually abuse a young girl – who turned out to be a law enforcement officer in disguise. The chilling case was dealt with at Swindon Crown Court on 8 September 2020.
Predator’s Plans Foiled by Undercover Sting
Bamfield pleaded guilty to one count of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence after police uncovered his online chats. From February to June 2020, he communicated with someone he believed was the mother of a ten-year-old girl, detailing his sick intentions and arranging a meeting in Swindon.
But the “child” wasn’t real – it was an officer from the Child Internet Exploitation Team running a sting operation. Bamfield turned up to the meeting on 4 June and was promptly arrested.
Dangerous Predator Caught Red-Handed
During the arrest, officers found booze, bubble bath, and sweets in his car – items suggesting his sinister plans. Detective Constable Julia Vince of Wiltshire Police said:
“Bamfield posed a serious and dangerous risk to children. He used the internet to find a victim, discussed in detail the abuse he wanted to carry out, then travelled from Bristol to Swindon to make it happen. Our communities are safer with him behind bars.”
Police Urge Public to Speak Up
If you suspect someone is at risk or have concerns about potential offenders, contact police immediately. Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if urgent.
