Disabled man in child sex sting case admits guilt
A disabled man who faced public humiliation when he was caught by a paedophile vigilante group is facing sentencing after admitting his guilt.
Wheelchair- bound Peter Allan believed he was meeting a 13-year-old boy when he travelled to Mote Park in Maidstone.
The 62- year- old multiple sclerosis sufferer had made the approach on the gay dating application Grindr, Maidstone Crown Court heard.
But the anti- paedophile group The Hunted One had set up a bogus profile. Messages were exchanged and Allan, of Cedar Gardens, Stockbury, also sent indecent images.
He was arrested on the evening of April 1 after the confrontation was recorded and live-streamed on Facebook.
The 15 minutes of film showed police officers arriving and arresting him.
Allan admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child-sex offence when he appeared by video link with Elmley Prison on Tuesday.
“This was a case which originated through a group of civilians out to catch paedophiles,” said prosecutor Martin Yale.
“They set up a profile on Grindr purporting to be a 13-year-old boy. Various messages and indecent images were exchanged, and arrange- ments were made to meet this defendant.
“He turned up at the meeting and was detained and arrested.”
James Warren, defending, said there had been a “significant impact” on Allan as a result of the live broadcasting and he could not return to his home.
The sheltered housing bungalows where he lived had been burgled and vandalised, causing distress for his elderly neighbours.
“He has no previous convictions and suffers from MS and is in a wheelchair,” said Mr Warren. “His condition has deteriorated while in custody.
“He is a very lonely gentleman and has no friends – especially now.
“His mobility car was vandalised. This has had significant impact. He cannot go back there.”
Sentencing was adjourned until June 5 for a report to consider dangerousness. Allan was remanded in custody.