A paedophile from Hexham has been caught after sending sexual messages to undercover police officers he believed were young girls. Tony Crozier, 27, thought he was chatting online to a 13-year-old and a 12-year-old girl, but in reality, he was communicating with police decoys.
Online Conversations Exposed
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Crozier told the supposed 13-year-old, “I guess you like older guys,” before initiating sexual discussions. He sent lewd messages, called her “sexy,” asked for sexual images, and requested she perform a sex act on him. Recorder Mark Giuliani described Crozier’s language as “disgusting and despicable.”
Crozier then began chatting with who he thought was a 12-year-old girl. Although he acknowledged the 20-year age gap as “weird,” he continued sexual communication, sending a picture of his genitals and asking for an image in return.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Crozier, of Chareway, Hexham, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, committed in early 2025. His defence barrister, Mr. O’Brien, stated that Crozier had lost his job and that his offending became “common knowledge” locally. He added, “The defendant had the good sense to enter guilty pleas… He has no excuses, there’s no justification.”
Recorder Giuliani noted the “highly sexualised communication” with individuals Crozier thought were children. He deemed there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and sentenced Crozier to 11 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Crozier must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and attend 26 days of group activity.
This case highlights the dangers of online predatory behaviour and the effectiveness of undercover police operations in protecting children.
