In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 24-year-old Lewis Teague—of Elizabeth Avenue, Exeter—avoided an immediate prison sentence after being caught twice in just 13 months by different paedophile hunting groups. Teague appeared at Exeter Crown Court having admitted to attempted sexual communications with a child and attempting to meet a child following grooming. It was reported that the investigation established Teague utilized Facebook and the dating site Scout to target individuals he believed were girls aged 14 and 15.
The investigation established that Teague was first “stung” by the hunting group “The UK Database” in January 2019, followed by a second encounter with “Totnes Justice” and “The Forbidden” in February 2020. The prosecution reported that during the second incident, Teague arranged to meet a decoy named “Pixie Lou” in Crediton for sex. When police intercepted him, Teague—who was working as a supermarket delivery driver at the time—was found in possession of two vibrators, lubricant, and virility tablets.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Teague openly admitted his internet activity to the hunting teams when confronted in Brixham after they followed him from Exeter. The investigation established that Teague had sent a picture of his genitals to the second decoy and explicitly discussed his sexual intentions. The prosecution reported that despite the repeated nature of his offending within a short timeframe, the court opted for a community-based sentence focused on rehabilitation.
Judge-led proceedings at Exeter Crown Court concluded with Teague being handed a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. For his actions in Exeter, Crediton, and Brixham, he was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and pay a surcharge. The judge noted that Teague would be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placed on the sex offenders register, both for a period of ten years, to enable police to strictly monitor his online behaviour.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Devon, the status of Lewis Teague as of April 8, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: NON-CUSTODIAL (Completed 1-year suspended sentence; sentenced 2020; order expired 2022).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030 (10-year period).
- SHPO Status: Subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Active until 2030; including mandatory disclosure of all internet-enabled devices).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Attempted sexual communications with a child; Attempting to meet a child following grooming; Possession of cannabis).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court; investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Caught twice in 13 months by hunter groups; Traveled to Crediton with sexual paraphernalia to meet a “15-year-old”; Admitted sexual intent when confronted.
- Origin: Elizabeth Avenue, Exeter, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Teague is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Exeter area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “repeated offending” after initial detection and his “possession of sexual aids” at a meeting point—his management is a priority for the Devon and Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of being caught twice indicates a lack of deterrence that necessitates the highest tier of digital forensic oversight provided by his SHPO.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, the 30-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his SHPO remains a critical tool for regulating his digital activity, ensuring that his use of dating sites like Scout and social media platforms is strictly monitored. Any change of residence in Exeter or elsewhere, any failure to disclose new digital devices, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent interest in meeting minors for sexual purposes.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was caught twice within 13 months and arrived at a meeting point with sexual paraphernalia, do you believe that “Repeat Grooming” should carry a mandatory immediate custodial sentence?
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