In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 43-year-old Dale Woolner was sentenced for twice attempting to meet children for sexual purposes within the space of ten days. Following two separate operations by paedophile hunting groups, the defendant—of Eton Drive, Exeter—was intercepted after arranging to meet decoys he believed were 14-year-old girls. It was reported that Woolner engaged in highly sexualised chats, asking for naked pictures and bra sizes, even after being arrested and released under investigation for the first offence.
The investigation established that Woolner showed a blatant disregard for the law by resuming his predatory behaviour just two days after his initial release on 14 October 2019. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that the first sting was conducted by the North West Hebephile Hunting Group, while the second involved the South West-based UK Database and Totnes Justice. The prosecution reported that during the second interaction, Woolner became more cautious, insisting on phone calls and providing a physical description of himself—including the use of a crutch—to facilitate a meeting in Sidwell Street, Exeter.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Woolner’s behaviour was exacerbated by his persistence despite police intervention. Exeter Crown Court heard that when the second decoy reminded him of her age, he replied that 14 was a “nice age” and called her a “sexy little chick.” The investigation established that Woolner had arranged a meeting with the first decoy, “Emily Mae,” at an Exeter station but failed to appear, leading to a confrontation at his home and his first arrest.
Judge Peter Johnson presided over the sentencing, noting that the most significant aggravating feature was Woolner’s decision to repeat his crimes while under investigation. For his actions in Exeter and the surrounding Devon area, Woolner was ordered to complete a sex offender treatment programme as part of a three-year community order. The judge noted that a custodial sentence was not imposed due to the defendant’s autism and the time he had already spent on remand since his final arrest in October.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Dale Woolner as of April 1, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: Community Order (Sentenced 2020; supervision completed).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2025.
- SHPO Status: 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order active until 2025.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court, following multiple hunting group stings and police arrests.
- Criminal Record: Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence; Attempting to incite sexual activity; Attempting to meet a child following grooming.
- Origin: Eton Drive, Exeter, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Woolner is managed as a registered sex offender within the Exeter area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the rapid escalation of grooming behaviour and a refusal to cease activity following police contact, his management is a priority for the Devon and Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of using internet chat rooms to target minors necessitates the highest level of digital monitoring and regular home visits by the MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders) unit.
As a registered sex offender until 2025, Woolner’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his SHPO includes strict conditions prohibiting unsupervised contact with children and allowing police full access to his internet-enabled devices. Any attempt to access chat rooms, any failure to disclose a change of address in Exeter, or any further attempts to groom individuals online will result in immediate arrest and a likely return to the court for a custodial sentence.
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.