A sexual predator who arranged to meet a child for sex has been sentenced

Vincent Middlebrough, 46, has been sentenced to jail time after he arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy he had been speaking to online in July 2024.

However, what he didn’t know was that he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Middlebrough had been sending sexually explicit messages and travelled to meet the child on July 4, 2024. However, the only thing waiting for him was police handcuffs and a trip to custody.

Investigating officers seized his devices and found indecent images and videos of children.

Following further enquiries, Middlebrough was subsequently charged with making indecent images of a child, two offences of engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and attempting to meet a child following grooming.

Middlebrough, of West View, Micklefield, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on November 12 last year, and pleaded guilty to all charges.

Today (Friday), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to four years in prison and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Grace Wass, said: “This has been just the latest example of our dedication to protect those vulnerable in our communities. Our investigation didn’t end with an arrest, we continued to pursue enquiries and safeguard any vulnerable children involved.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported this operation. Under Operational Sentinel, we will continue to work with our partners to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.