Roland James Ford

Roland James Ford, 51, from Wedgewood Drive in Harlow, Essex, was jailed for five years after attempting to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 15-year-old boy. The incident unfolded on July 20, 2017, when Ford contacted a fake profile set up by a male investigator specialising in protecting children from sexual exploitation. The profile, created on the gay dating app Grindr, used a stock image of a 15-year-old boy.

Ford, using his own account listed as 'Harlownow' and accurately stating his age as 50, sent the first message: 'Hi'. Upon learning the profile's age was 15, he responded, 'Oh sorry I didn’t realise you were that young. Was going to ask if you wanted your **** sucked but I guess you’re too young for that.' Despite this, he arranged to meet near The Stow shopping centre in Harlow, where he was arrested by undercover officers.

At Chelmsford Crown Court on November 13, 2017, Judge Patricia Lynch QC highlighted the dangers of Ford's online communications, stating: 'There is a risk of serious harm of adolescent and young boys with your communication with them over the internet.' Ford was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, extended by two years on licence, totalling five years. This case was part of Essex Police's efforts to combat child sexual exploitation through proactive online stings.