A Police sting operation is responsible for catching a Sandown man attempting to meet a teenager for sexual activity, Isle of Wight Crown Court heard today (Friday 6th May).
Judge Barry McElduff jailed Paul Elvins for four years and eight months after he admitted 20 charges of attempting sexual contact with minors.
Fake Grindr account
The teenager didn’t actually exist, it was a fake Grindr account set up by Police. Grindr is the World’s largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people.
That meeting didn’t go ahead, but when Elvins was arrested Police officers found messages on his mobile phone of him sending explicit photos to young boys, as well as offering to pay a 17-year-old boy for anal sex.
Defence: No sexual activity had taken place
Elvins has been in custody since 9th December 2021. Today his defence, Jim Osborne, told the court that Elvins had shown deep remorse and that no sexual activity had taken place.
Known on the Island for his work helping those less fortunate, Elvins’ arrest sent shockwaves through the community when it emerged last year.
Get in touch / Seek help
Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact them on 101 where you can speak with their specialist detectives in confidence.
Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11 or adults with any concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 550.
Child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also runs the Stop It Now! helpline – 0808 1000 900 – which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children.
Article edit
6pm 7th May 2022 – Advice line info and number of counts added
Source: IWCP
