In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 31-year-old Colin Mooney was sentenced for the predatory grooming and attempted sexual abuse of a child. Following proceedings at Preston Crown Court, the defendant—of Ormskirk Road, Skelmersdale, Lancashire—pleaded guilty to arranging and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and attempting sexual communication with a child. It was reported that Mooney used digital platforms to target a victim before being intercepted during a face-to-face meeting in May 2019.
The investigation established that Mooney engaged in “frankly sickening” online discussions with the intent of carrying out the physical abuse of a minor. Lancashire Police reported that the Skelmersdale paedophile was arrested as he arrived for the pre-arranged encounter. The prosecution reported that Mooney’s behaviour demonstrated he was a dangerous and depraved individual, leading to a police investigation into his digital footprint and intent to facilitate serious sexual crimes.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Mooney’s actions were those of a dangerous person who posed a significant risk to the public. Preston Crown Court, Lancashire, heard that the content of his online communications was of the most depraved nature. The investigation established that the jail sentence and statutory orders imposed were essential to prevent Mooney from targeting further victims and to ensure the ongoing safety of children in the North West.
Judge Robert Altham presided over the sentencing on 19 December 2019, where Mooney was deemed a “dangerous person” under sentencing guidelines. For his actions in Skelmersdale and online, Mooney was sentenced to four years in prison with an extra two years on licence. The judge noted that due to his dangerousness, Mooney would not be eligible for release until serving at least two-thirds of his term and must prove to the Parole Board that he is no longer a threat to the community.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Colin Mooney as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 4 years (Sentenced December 2019; released on licence 2023).
- Extended Licence: 2 additional years (Total 6-year sentence structure).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order active until 2029.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court, following a Lancashire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Arranging and facilitating a child sex offence; Attempting sexual communication with a child.
- Origin: Skelmersdale, Lancashire; Ormskirk Road.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Mooney is managed as a high-risk Category 1 predator within the West Lancashire area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the rapid escalation from online grooming to an attempted physical meeting for the purpose of abuse, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his history of seeking out minors for “sickening” sexual encounters requires the most intensive level of digital forensic monitoring by the Lancashire Police Public Protection Unit and the National Probation Service.
As a registered sex offender for life, Mooney’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his behaviour demonstrated a calculated and predatory fixation on children. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements, any attempt to use social media to contact minors, or any presence near schools or youth clubs in Skelmersdale or Preston will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the protection of the public.
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