Judge warns over vigilante action after sentencing 'vulnerable' man caught by paedophile hunters who live-streamed sting
A judge has warned the public over taking the law into their own hands after sentencing a man caught by paedophile hunters.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The comments came during the sentencing of 23-year-old Owain Roberts at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Roberts, formerly of Gobowen and now of Forden, had earlier admitted charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and inciting a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity, in January and February this year.
The court was told that Roberts had messaged a 'decoy' profile set up by paedophile hunters on Facebook.
During the communication that followed Roberts was told the girl was 13, and he proceeded to request sexual pictures, discuss sexual acts, ask about meeting up, and repeatedly request videos from the account.
Suzanne Francis, prosecuting, told the court that Roberts had asked the account not to "tell her mum".
Ms Francis said that Roberts was then confronted on his door by seven members of the group who live-streamed the incident online.
She added that the video lasted for around 40 minutes.
