Thomas Neely

Thomas Neely, a 32-year-old resident of Baildon in West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for a series of child sexual offences committed online. The case came to light after Neely initiated contact in September 2024 with an undercover police officer who was posing as a 12-year-old girl on a social media platform. Using the username 'fat guy', Neely quickly escalated the conversation to explicit sexual topics, expressing his desire to 'have some fun' and to be the girl's 'first'.

The communications moved to the Kik messaging app, where Neely sent a photograph of his penis and a video of himself performing a sexual act. He discussed meeting the supposed child in person, confirming his intention to engage in sexual activity with her. Neely also offered to teach the 'girl' about 'kinks' and fantasies, stating during the chat that if she had any, he could instruct her in them. This deeply troubling exchange demonstrated his clear intent to exploit a minor, as he believed the individual was genuinely 12 years old.

West Yorkshire Police traced Neely through his IP address, leading to a search of his home at Valley View, Baildon. Officers found bedding that matched items visible in the video Neely had sent. Additionally, Neely had attempted to delete apps from his smartphone to cover his tracks. The prosecution, led by Becky Jane, highlighted these actions as evidence of his guilt. It was revealed that Neely had a prior caution in 2016 for possessing an indecent image of a child, which the court deemed a significant aggravating factor.

At the hearing on 14 November 2025, Neely pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, attempting to engage in sexual communication, and attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sexual act. Recorder Jason Pitter KC, presiding over the case, remarked on the gravity of Neely's actions, stating: 'That is deeply, deeply troubling because you believed she was 12.' The judge noted that the explicit nature of the chats provided strong evidence of Neely's intention to carry out the offences had the girl been real. Despite considering Neely's personal circumstances and submissions from his barrister, the court imposed an immediate custodial sentence.

The sentencing reflects the seriousness of online grooming and child sexual exploitation cases in the UK, with Neely required to serve two-thirds of his term in custody. He will register as a sex offender for life and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet use and contact with children. This case underscores the vigilance of West Yorkshire Police in monitoring online predators.