In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Stuart Baigent, 44, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court after being snared by an online vigilante group. The defendant—of Grassendale Avenue, North Prospect, Plymouth, Devon—pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. It was reported that between 15 January and 26 January 2018, Baigent used the social chat website Waplog to message a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl for sexual gratification.
The investigation established that the “girl” was actually a decoy from the group JFTI (Justice for the Innocent). Devon and Cornwall Police reported that despite the decoy stating she was only 14 and at school, Baigent continued to send sexual messages, asked for indecent images, and attempted to arrange a physical meeting. The prosecution reported that the group eventually confronted Baigent in the street and posted 41 minutes of the encounter to YouTube, leading to his identification and subsequent arrest.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Baigent immediately confessed to his actions when questioned by officers. Plymouth Crown Court heard that the defendant, a father of two, urged the supposed child to perform indecent acts even after she claimed to be a virgin. The investigation established that while the case suffered an astonishing delay in reaching court, Baigent’s willingness to engage with the Horizon sex offender treatment course and his lack of previous convictions influenced the final sentencing decision.
Judge James Townsend handed Baigent a three-year community order, noting that his frankness with the police allowed him to avoid immediate custody. For his actions in Plymouth, the defendant was also made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The judge noted that this order is essential to allow police to monitor Baigent’s online behaviour and protect the public from further predatory communication.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Stuart Baigent as of late 2019 was as follows:
- Sentence: 3-year community order.
- Treatment: Mandatory completion of the Horizon sex offender course.
- SHPO Status: 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements active for 5 years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court following a Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.
- Origin: Grassendale Avenue, North Prospect, Plymouth, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Baigent is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the Devon area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Plymouth, which involved persistent attempts to solicit abuse images from a minor, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his SHPO grants police the power to conduct unannounced digital forensic checks on any device he owns to ensure he is not using platforms like Waplog to target further victims.
As a registered sex offender, Baigent’s details are logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his attempt to groom a 14-year-old in North Prospect requires permanent vigilance during his five-year registration period. Any failure to notify police of new aliases, addresses, or internet-capable devices will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and to uphold the protection of children from online predators.
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.