Anthony Moore

Anthony Moore, a 58-year-old resident of Harewood Avenue in Steeton with Eastburn, appeared at Bradford Crown Court where he was sentenced for attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and making an indecent image. The case, reported by the Bradford Telegraph and Argus on 7th November, highlighted Moore's disturbing interest in underage girls, as evidenced by his interactions with an undercover decoy profile.

In March 2023, Moore, using the alias 'Ian', initiated contact with what he believed to be a 12-year-old girl on an online platform. The profile was operated by an undercover operative. Moore quickly steered the conversation towards sexual topics, inquiring if the 'girl' was at school and confirming her age as 12 while revealing his own age of 58. He requested photographs of her in a bra, in a towel, and lifting her bra, and reciprocated by sending an image of his groin area while wearing shorts.

• Moore expressed a desire to kiss her breasts.
• He asked if she had ever touched herself and offered to demonstrate how.
• He provided 'detailed and vivid' instructions on how to masturbate, including penetration, while directing her to pull down her underwear in a toilet.
• He further requested that she write him a note, place it next to her vagina, and send a photograph.

Prosecutor Verity Barnes detailed these exchanges at court, emphasising the explicit nature of Moore's communications. Moore was arrested on 27 March 2023. Upon apprehension, he reportedly stated: 'I’m getting arrested. I’ve been talking to kids again. I’m sorry, I’m going to prison.' During his police interview, Moore provided no comment answers and had no previous convictions.

Recorder Anthony Hawks, addressing Moore in court, stated: 'You are a pervert. You have a perverted sexual interest in underage girls.' Despite determining that a 12-month custodial sentence was appropriate, the judge noted Moore had already served the equivalent of 14 months in custody since his arrest. Consequently, on 7th November 2023, Moore received a two-year community order and a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, requiring him to register as a sex offender for five years. In mitigation, defence counsel Nicholas Leadbeater highlighted the time Moore had spent in custody. Recorder Hawks added: 'By no stretch of the imagination could you be called a man of good character.'

The case was handled under the jurisdiction of West Yorkshire Police, with proceedings at Bradford Crown Court underscoring the dangers of online grooming and the role of decoy operations in protecting children.