In 2025, the Offender Database recorded that Gavin Hillerby, 53, was handed a suspended prison sentence for exchanging highly sexualised messages with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. On appearing at Hull Crown Court on 3 October 2025, the defendant—of The Willows, Hornsea, East Yorkshire—admitted to a series of digital sex crimes. It was reported that Hillerby sent explicit videos of himself for “sexual titillation” and even joked about the decoy being at school, telling her: “I hope you have this app on silent lol.”
The investigation established that Hillerby was targeted by an undercover police operation between June 6 and 16, 2023. Humberside Police reported that Hillerby requested pictures of the decoy in her underwear and swimming costumes before escalating to sexually explicit photographs. The prosecution reported that Hillerby was identified via his IP address and arrested on October 14, 2023, at which point he told officers: “Yeah, I’ll hold my hands up to it.”
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that a search of Hillerby’s devices uncovered a “vile” collection of prohibited material. Hull Crown Court heard that police found 34 indecent images of children across Categories A, B, and C, as well as 187 prohibited “cartoon” images and 62 extreme pornographic images of bestiality. The investigation established that Hillerby had used search terms such as “kiddie” to source the material and had sent a topless video of himself to the decoy account.
Judge Alexander Menary described the sentence as a “one-off deal,” warning Hillerby that any breach would result in immediate imprisonment. For his actions in East Yorkshire, Hillerby was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 10 days of rehabilitation. The judge noted that while Hillerby had no previous convictions and had not attempted to meet the decoy in person, the “serious” nature of the digital library he possessed necessitated a long-term monitoring order.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Gavin Hillerby is as follows:
- Sentence: 2 years imprisonment (Suspended).
- Community Requirements: 200 hours unpaid work and Sex Offender Treatment Programme.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for 10 years.
- SHPO Status: Subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Hull Crown Court following a Humberside Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child; Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; Making indecent images; Possession of extreme pornography (bestiality).
- Origin: The Willows, Hornsea, East Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hillerby is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the East Yorkshire area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Hornsea, which involved the active pursuit of sexual imagery from a “schoolgirl” and the possession of extreme animal pornography, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is a vital safeguard, allowing police to monitor his internet usage and ensure he does not use social media to target real children.
As a registered sex offender, Hillerby’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his history of seeking “sexual titillation” through child abuse material in Hull requires permanent vigilance by offender management teams. Any attempt to bypass his digital monitoring, contact minors, or fail his treatment programme will result in his suspended sentence being activated, leading to an immediate custodial term to ensure the safety of the community.
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