In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Martin Whitby, 45, died while awaiting sentencing for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). On appearing at Exeter Crown Court in early 2019, the defendant, of Hazel Road, Exeter, Devon, admitted to the “vile” grooming of a child online. It was reported that Whitby was already on a community order for a prior “reprehensible” sex offence when he was caught a second time by a paedophile hunting group.
The investigation established the persistent and predatory nature of Whitby’s “shameful” conduct. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that in January 2019, Whitby engaged in a two-day conversation with a false Facebook profile he believed belonged to a 14-year-old girl. The prosecution reported that during these “vile” exchanges, Whitby discussed meeting the child for sex, demonstrating a “monstrous” refusal to follow the court-ordered ban on contacting children via the internet.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Whitby had an “atrocious” history of being caught in near-identical circumstances. Exeter Crown Court heard that in February 2018, he was trapped by the Welsh-based group PH Balance after arranging to meet a 15-year-old girl at Exeter Central Station. The investigation established that on that “grim” occasion, Whitby planned to provide the child with cannabis and vodka before engaging in sexual activity, which led to his initial conviction and SHPO.
Judge Peter Johnson was informed that Whitby passed away just days before his scheduled sentencing. For his actions in Exeter, Whitby had admitted to breaching his SHPO and the terms of his sex offender treatment programme, which he had “shamefully” failed to start before re-offending. The judge ruled that the criminal proceedings would be discontinued upon the formal submission of a death certificate to the court, bringing a “grim” conclusion to the case.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Martin Whitby is as follows:
- Legal Status: Case discontinued due to the death of the defendant (2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Was active at the time of death.
- SHPO Status: Was active and “reprehensibly” breached at the time of death.
- Judicial Oversight: Presided over at Exeter Crown Court following investigations by Devon and Cornwall Police and independent groups.
- Criminal Record: Grooming a child; Breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Origin: Hazel Road, Exeter, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Prior to his death, Whitby was managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Devon. Due to the nature of his conduct in Exeter, which involved “monstrous” attempts to supply drugs to children and “reprehensible” persistence in online grooming, his management was a high priority. Authorities state that his “shameful” recidivism while under a court order necessitated the strict SHPO that he ultimately ignored.
While the court case has ended, the investigation into Whitby’s “vile” digital activities remains a matter of record for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of “atrocious” and “deceptive” grooming at Exeter Central Station and online serves as a “grim” reminder of the necessity for vigilant monitoring of registered sex offenders. The “shameful” reality of his actions in Devon means that his data will remain on police systems to assist in the protection of the public and the understanding of predatory patterns.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.