Sheffield paedophile snared online by undercover cop posing as 12-year-old boy

William Turner-Bradshaw, aged 37, of Liberty Hill, Stannington, Sheffield, contacted the profile of a 12-year-old boy via Grinder on his mobile phone but the contact was a police officer, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.

Nicola Quinney, prosecuting, told the hearing, yesterday, July 8, the defendant contacted the profile who was a police decoy and the conversation became sexual with references to oral sex, kissing and masturbation and there was a suggestion they should meet.

Judge Michael Slater told Turner-Bradshaw: “You were on the internet and began chatting to someone you believed was younger than you. That conversation on your part became sexual in nature.”

Judge Slater confirmed Turner-Bradshaw did not know the contact was a police officer.

He added: “As a result, police came to your door and you were arrested.”

Turner-Bradshaw, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to attempting to have sexual communication with a child on August 1, 2018.

Francis Edusei, defending, said Turner-Bradshaw has been very lonely and suffers with autism and learning difficulties and he is supported by his step-father and family.

Judge Slater sentenced Turner-Bradshaw to six-months of custody suspended for 12-months but warned a further offence or a breach of the order could mean prison.

The defendant must complete a 38-day programme to address his offending and a 25-day rehabilitation requirement.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven-years and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five-years.