Paul Camps

Paul Camps, a 57-year-old resident of Window Lane in Garston, Liverpool, has a long history of sexual offences dating back to the 1980s. His criminal record includes convictions for rape and multiple indecent assaults, culminating in a life sentence in 2006 for raping a woman in a hotel where he worked as a caretaker. Released on licence in 2020, Camps was arrested again in July 2024 after engaging in explicit online communications with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl on Facebook.

The incident began on 16 July 2024 when Camps contacted a profile operated by the paedophile hunter group Angels of Innocence, which poses as underage girls on social media to expose potential offenders. Initially messaging 'cute lady', Camps was informed of the profile's supposed age but soon escalated his approach, stating 'You were born naughty. How naughty are you?' Prosecuting barrister Sarah Egan described the subsequent exchanges, which lasted until 22 July 2024, as 'graphic and sexual' in nature. Camps repeatedly requested sexualised photographs and suggested meeting for sexual activity, demonstrating persistent intent to groom the minor.

On 27 July 2024, Merseyside Police attended Camps' home to arrest him. During the arrest, Camps protested, saying 'this is a f***ing p***ake' and 'I've never met her', before attempting to cover his tracks by claiming he had deleted messages from his phone. Officers seized his electronic devices, which were examined but found to contain no indecent images of children. This latest offence violated his life licence conditions from the 2006 rape conviction, where in March 2005, Camps had knocked on a hotel guest's door, propositioned her for sex, and raped her upon refusal.

At Liverpool Crown Court on 28 October 2024, Camps pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual communications with a child. Judge Brian Cummings KC highlighted Camps' extensive prior convictions as a 'glaring aggravating factor', noting offences from 1984 to 1991 including rape and indecent assaults on females both under and over 14, followed by the 2006 life sentence. Despite defence arguments from Gaby McGrath that the offending spanned only four days and was an attempt, with no convictions since 2006 until this incident, the judge imposed a one-year custodial sentence. Camps was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, Camps showed no remorse for his actions.

This case underscores the ongoing risks posed by released sex offenders and the role of vigilante groups in aiding law enforcement. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest and subsequent sentencing, emphasising their commitment to protecting children from online exploitation.