In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Martin Ross Geary, a Somerset Paedophile Child Molester, who groomed an individual he presumed to be a minor online, had evaded incarceration following his apprehension during a paedophile hunting team operation.
During his hearing on November 26, 2018, Martin Ross Geary appeared at Taunton Crown Court and entered a guilty plea to the subsequent charges:
- Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
- Trying to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Possession of indecent images of children
The court was informed that Martin Ross Geary had reached out to the internet persona he assumed belonged to a schoolgirl.
Martin Ross Geary, from Somerset, promptly transmitted sexually explicit communications with the explicit intention of grooming the girl for sexual engagement.
However, the youngster was nonexistent and was, in fact, an adult member of the paedophile hunting organisation ‘Defending the Innocent.’ The team impersonates minors online to apprehend sexual predators.
A group named ‘Net Justice’ conducted a sting operation on Martin Ross Geary and interrogated him over his online activities before contacting the police.
On 15 January 2019, Martin Ross Geary was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court to the following:
- Community order for three years
- 120 hours of unpaid work
- To register as a sex offender
- Sexual harm prevention order for 10 years
- £500 costs to the prosecution
- 20 days of rehabilitation requirements
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.