In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that then 59-year-old Jonathan Richardson was handed a two-year community order after being caught in an online sting by a paedophile hunter group. Appearing at Derby Crown Court, Derbyshire, the defendant—of Walton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire—admitted to engaging in sexualised communication with a child. It was reported that Richardson believed he was messaging a 13-year-old girl named Shelly, but he was actually speaking to members of a self-styled vigilante group known as The Soloceptors / Soul Survivors.
The investigation established that the grooming process began in November 2018 and continued until March 2019. Derbyshire Constabulary reported that Richardson used the guise of providing free sex education to ask the supposed child intimate and inappropriate questions. The prosecution reported that the defendant specifically instructed the girl not to discuss their conversations with her mother and labelled her as naughty for hiding her internet activities from her parents in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the online vigilante group confronted Richardson at his home address on 5 April 2019. Derby Crown Court, Derbyshire, heard that the police had to attend the scene due to the confrontation, which left the defendant’s wife in a state of distress. The investigation established that although Richardson claimed he did not receive sexual gratification from the chats, the court rejected this assertion, noting that any right-minded adult would be revolted by the nature of the messages sent from the property in Walton, Chesterfield.
Judge Jason Macadam stated that Richardson clearly required professional help to address his disturbing behaviour. For his actions in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Richardson was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service. The judge noted that the harm and distress caused to the defendant’s own family by his predatory online actions were significant, emphasizing that the community order was designed to manage his future risk.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Jonathan Richardson as of late 2019 was as follows:
- Sentence: 2-year Community Order (100 hours unpaid work).
- Rehabilitation: 30 mandated sessions with the National Probation Service.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for 5 years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Derby Crown Court, Derbyshire, following a Derbyshire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual communication with a child.
- Origin: Walton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Richardson is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the Derbyshire area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Chesterfield, which involved the grooming of a perceived 13-year-old through deceptive sex education narratives, his management is a priority. Authorities state that his willingness to bypass parental supervision to isolate a child online requires consistent monitoring of his internet usage by the Public Protection Unit and the probation service.
As a registered sex offender, Richardson’s details are logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his behaviour in Derbyshire demonstrated a calculated attempt to manipulate a minor for sexual interest. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements or any attempt to access unmonitored chat applications will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and to uphold the protection of the public from a confirmed online predator.
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