In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 39-year-old Aron Bennett—of Wildman Street, Kendal—was jailed for five years for attempting to groom an individual he believed was a 13-year-old child. Bennett appeared at Preston Crown Court on 6 November 2020 where he was sentenced for a series of predatory online offences. The investigation established that Bennett was intercepted by an online child protection team who used an adult decoy to expose his intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
The investigation established that Bennett first contacted the decoy in March 2018 and persisted in sending numerous indecent messages over several days. The prosecution reported that Bennett’s actions were calculated and designed to facilitate the commission of a child sex offence. Preston Crown Court heard that once the enforcer group provided the evidence to the authorities, Bennett was quickly identified and arrested by officers in Cumbria.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Bennett’s communications were explicit and demonstrated a determined effort to incite a child into sexual activity. The investigation established that Bennett used public communication networks to distribute indecent material, believing his target was only 13 years of age. The prosecution reported that the five-year sentence reflected the severity of the attempt to arrange a physical encounter, marking Bennett as a dangerous individual who actively sought out vulnerable victims online.
Judge-led proceedings at Preston Crown Court concluded with Bennett being handed an immediate custodial sentence. For his actions in Kendal and the predatory nature of the messages reported, he was also placed on the sex offenders register for life. The judge noted that the proactive work of the online investigation team had successfully prevented Bennett from reaching an actual child, but the intent behind his communications necessitated a significant period of incarceration and permanent statutory monitoring.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Kendal and Cumbria, the status of Aron Bennett as of April 11, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (Sentenced to 5 years in 2020; served custodial term; currently under high-risk community supervision).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active (Including total digital monitoring, a ban on any unmonitored messaging software, and mandatory police access to all internet-enabled devices).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from any role involving community trust).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Attempt to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity; Attempt to facilitate a child sex offence; Sexual communication with a child).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court; investigated by Cumbria Constabulary.
- Criminal Record: Targeted a 13-year-old decoy; Sent numerous indecent messages; Attempted to arrange a physical sexual encounter; Caught via an online enforcer group.
- Origin: Kendal, Cumbria.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Bennett is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Kendal area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “persistent efforts to facilitate a child sex offence and his use of multiple digital platforms to groom a 13-year-old”—his management is a priority for the Cumbria Constabulary Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history identifies him as an individual who will utilise the anonymity of the internet to bypass social safeguards, requiring the most rigorous tier of lifelong statutory oversight including forensic audits of his hardware.
As a registered sex offender for life, the 45-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the 2020 conviction ensured that a dangerous online predator was identified and neutralised before he could harm a physical victim. Any attempt to use unauthorised social media, any failure to report a change of address, or any unauthorised proximity to schools will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent and calculated intent to exploit children.
QUESTION – Given that the offender attempted to facilitate a physical sex offence with a 13-year-old decoy, do you believe that “Attempted Facilitation” should carry the same mandatory life sentence as a completed offence to reflect the dangerous intent of the predator?
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.