In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Andrew Maley, then 47, of Nonsuch Walk, Cheam, Greater London, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court. Maley travelled from London to Bristol, Somerset, with the expectation of meeting a 13-year-old girl for sexual gratification, only to be arrested by undercover officers at Temple Meads station.
The investigation established that an undercover officer had posed as a youngster named “Molly” on the Kik Messenger service. Maley initiated contact, “viciously” sexualised the conversation, and asked the decoy to perform sexual acts on herself. He discussed “vile” plans for what they could do together and eventually agreed to travel to Bristol to meet her. Upon his arrest at the station, police found he was in possession of lubricant.
Judicial Findings and “Crossing the Line”
Maley pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a girl under 16 to engage in penetrative sexual activity, attempting to communicate in a sexual manner, and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. He also asked the court to consider “vile” sexualised internet chats he had conducted with several other individuals who identified themselves as boys.
Judge Timothy Rose emphasised that Maley had “definitely crossed the line” by physically boarding a train with the full expectation of meeting a child. The judge noted the “abhorrent” nature of the planning involved in travelling across the country to facilitate the abuse.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “depraved” crimes in Somerset, Andrew Maley was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
- Unpaid Work: 140 hours to be completed in the community.
- Rehabilitation: Mandatory requirement to undergo a rehabilitation program.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for 10 years.
- SHPO: A 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from any unchecked internet use.
- Financial Penalty: A £140 victim surcharge.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Maley is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset Police. His history of “persistent” online grooming and his willingness to travel for the purpose of sexual exploitation mean his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender, Maley must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and digital activity. Avon and Somerset Police state that the use of undercover decoys is a “critical” tool in identifying predators who believe they are operating anonymously. Any breach of his 10-year SHPO or his suspended sentence conditions will result in his immediate return to Bristol Crown Court.
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