A man who intended to meet a child for illicit activities was sentenced to three years in prison after falling into a police trap. Matthew Hickman, 29, thought he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl named ‘Jess’ and even purchased a train ticket to Norfolk with the intention of engaging in sexual acts, as revealed in the Old Bailey court. Hickman, a resident of Lewisham in southeast London, falsely claimed to be 19 years old and suggested buying lingerie from Primark for the teenager.
During the sentencing, Judge Mr. Recorder David Jeremy KC highlighted that the case unfolded when an undercover female police officer posed online as a 14-year-old girl named ‘Jess’ in Norfolk. The officer operated multiple social media accounts with a profile picture of ‘Jess’ in a school uniform.
Hickman engaged in explicit conversations with the undercover officer, sending inappropriate messages and explicit images. He used various accounts to communicate with the supposed ‘teenager,’ including asking if she was interested in certain activities. Despite knowing the girl was 14 years old, Hickman continued his inappropriate interactions.
Hickman was apprehended on December 5, 2024, following a search of his devices that revealed indecent images of children, including those in the highest category A. The judge noted Hickman’s denial of any sexual interest in children during interviews, which he also relayed to probation officers. The judge expressed hope that Hickman would seek help during his time in custody to address his offenses.
Hickman pleaded guilty to two charges of arranging sexual activities and three charges of producing indecent images. He received a 36-month prison sentence, along with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and was instructed to pay £228 in victim surcharge and additional costs.
