Shaun Taylor

A paedophile from Evesham was caught in an online sting operation after attempting to solicit sexual images from what he believed was a child. Shaun Taylor, aged 56, of Manor Close, Badsey, appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on October 23, where he pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child between June 17 and 19, 2023.

The court heard that Taylor initiated a conversation online with an individual he thought was a minor, but who was in fact a decoy set up as part of a sting to catch potential offenders. During the exchange, Taylor sent a explicit photograph of his genitalia to the decoy and requested that she send him a picture of herself in the bath. Additional messages of a sexual nature were exchanged, highlighting the predatory intent behind the communication.

Following his guilty plea, the case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Taylor was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4, 2023, at Worcester Magistrates’ Court. As a result of the conviction, he will be required to register as a sex offender, a measure aimed at monitoring and protecting the public from individuals posing such risks.

The incident underscores the effectiveness of community-led sting operations in identifying and apprehending those attempting to exploit children online. Court reporter Leda Reynolds covered the proceedings for Worcester News, noting the general sexual tone of the messages exchanged.