A man, William Horley Marlborough Paedophile, has been punished for attempting to engage in sexual conversation with a minor. William Horley, 47, from Marlborough, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court today (12/02) following his guilty plea last month.
He received an 18-month community order, mandated to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities, fined £3,000, and has to pay a £114 fee and £85 in costs.
William Horley has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a duration of five years.
From 12 to 19 March 2024, William Horley participated in sexual discussions online with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old kid. He discussed the sexual encounters he intended to have with the youngster and the sexual activities he wished to perform.
This inquiry involved no actual victim, and no children were ever at risk.
Detective Constable Jason Walsh of The Child Internet Exploitation Team stated: “We frequently collaborate with other agencies, including the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, to safeguard children and ensure the identification and apprehension of offenders.”
“The work we do undoubtedly prevents offenders like Horley from going on and abusing vulnerable children and I hope this case sends a strong message to our communities that we are committed to targeting serious offenders who have the potential to cause serious and significant harm.”
If you suspect someone of child sexual exploitation, please report it to us by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Sexual exploitation of children can start through the use of technology, without them immediately realising. For example, they might be persuaded to post images on the internet or via mobile phone without immediate payment or personal gain.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.