Adrian Cartwright

Adrian Cartwright, a 52-year-old from Ollerton Gardens, Felling, Gateshead, with a prior conviction for sexual activity with 14-year-olds in 2007, was imprisoned for attempting to groom and meet children online.

In October 2019, using the moniker 'Top dad', Cartwright contacted two decoy profiles posing as 15-year-old girls set up by the vigilante group Guardians of the North. He quickly sent explicit images, including of his penis, requested nude photos, discussed sexual acts, school uniforms, and underwear, and arranged meetings: one at 4.30pm in a Birtley car park and another at 11pm at an Asda, suggesting no underwear and further sexual activity.

Cartwright attended the first meeting but fled when confronted by the group, driving recklessly through a red light. Police arrested him shortly after at his home. He pleaded guilty to two counts each of attempting sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child following grooming. Judge Stephen Earl at Newcastle Crown Court sentenced him to 28 months, noting his history. His lifelong sex offender registration and indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order remained. Chronicle Live reported on 1 October 2022, with prosecutor Paul Cleasby stating the clear intent for sexual activity with children.

The case illustrates the role of vigilante groups in apprehending predators, though police emphasised official investigations are preferred.