A predator who believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex has been jailed for three years after the encounter turned out to be a police sting. Matthew Hickman, aged 29, from Lewisham, southeast London, used the internet to communicate with someone he thought was a young teenager named 'Jess'. He purchased a train ticket to Norfolk with the intention of having sex with her, the Old Bailey heard.
The Sting Operation
Hickman falsely claimed to be 19 years old and offered to buy the girl lingerie from Primark. However, the person he was messaging was an undercover police officer. The officer created social media accounts with a profile picture of 'Jess' wearing a school uniform. Hickman sent explicit messages and an indecent image of himself to the officer.
During sentencing, Judge Mr Recorder David Jeremy KC stated: "The facts of this case were triggered when an undercover police officer posing herself online as a 14-year-old girl named 'Jess' in Norfolk."
Arrest and Evidence
Hickman was arrested on 5 December 2024. A search of his devices revealed a series of indecent photographs of children, including 15 images in the highest category A. The judge noted that Hickman denied having a sexual interest in children, a lie he continued to tell probation officers.
"You have not come to terms with your offending, and I hope in your time in custody you will seek help," the judge added.
Sentence and Orders
Hickman admitted two counts of arranging the commission of sexual activity and three counts of making indecent images. He was sentenced to a total of 36 months in prison. Additionally, he received an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge and additional costs.
