In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Stephen Moore, 46, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for “reprehensibly” grooming what he believed were two 14-year-old girls. On appearing at Cambridge Crown Court on 7 August 2019, the defendant, of Wood Ridge Crescent, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and possession of a prohibited weapon. It was reported that Moore “deceptively” posed as a modelling agent to manipulate children into sending explicit images.
The investigation established the calculated and predatory nature of Moore’s conduct. Cambridgeshire Constabulary reported that Moore began messaging a decoy account run by an Online Child Abuse Activist Group (OCAG) in January 2019. The prosecution reported that Moore’s messages became increasingly “vile” and intimate, claiming he had conducted “underwear shoots” and “shamefully” offering a child £200 to perform a photoshoot with him while sending “reprehensible” images to show what he wanted.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Moore was a persistent predator who utilized “shameful” manipulation tactics. Cambridge Crown Court heard that Moore had also been messaging a second decoy account, telling the “girl” she looked “very sexy” and “vilely” insisting they should “just keep it our secret.” The investigation established that when one decoy refused his request for explicit images, Moore “deceptively” claimed it was a test. Upon his arrest on 19 January 2019, a search of his car uncovered a “monstrous” contact Taser hidden in his glovebox.
The Sentencing Judge noted that Moore’s behavior was a “shameful” attempt to exploit vulnerable children. For his actions in St Neots, Moore was handed the 30-month custodial term. The judge noted that the “vile” combination of predatory grooming and the possession of a “reprehensible” weapon necessitated an immediate prison sentence, a seven-year requirement to sign the Sex Offenders Register, and a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Stephen Moore is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 30 months in prison (Sentenced August 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2026.
- SHPO Status: A seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order remains active until 2026.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court following a Cambridgeshire Constabulary investigation and OCAG sting.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child (2 counts); Possession of a prohibited weapon.
- Origin: Wood Ridge Crescent, St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Moore is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Cambridgeshire. Due to the nature of his conduct in St Neots, which involved “monstrous” grooming and the “vile” possession of a Taser, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his “shameful” use of a modelling agency “guise” to target children necessitates permanent digital forensic audits to ensure he is not using “deceptive” professional identities to contact minors.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Moore must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “atrocious” and “vile” behavior in Cambridgeshire necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to contact children, possess “reprehensible” weapons, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system to serve the remainder of his term.
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.