78-Year-Old Pedophile Avoids Jail Time After Vigilante Sting

A 78-year-old man, previously convicted of child sex offenses, has been handed a suspended sentence after he was caught attempting to meet someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl for sexual purposes. George Gleed was confronted by a vigilante group known as Dank Dragon on June 8, 2022, at a shopping centre in Merthyr Tydfil, near Cardiff. The incident was live-streamed online, revealing the shocking nature of his interactions.

According to information presented in Cardiff Crown Court, Gleed initiated contact with a decoy posing as a minor on a social media platform days before his scheduled meeting. Prosecutor James Evans stated that Gleed was aware of the girl’s age but continued to engage in grooming behavior. His messages included inappropriate compliments, offers to take her on drives, and even promises to buy her a car when she came of age.

As the communication escalated, Gleed’s messages became increasingly explicit. He expressed desires to “kiss her neck, abdomen, and lips,” and made disturbing requests, including sending a photo of her genitals. Evans highlighted that Gleed instructed the decoy to “play with herself” and planned to engage in sexual acts during their meeting. On the day of the encounter, Gleed mentioned taking her to a fast-food restaurant before proceeding with his sexual intentions.

Instead of meeting the girl, Gleed was ambushed by members of Dank Dragon, who had been monitoring his online activity. Following this confrontation, he was arrested and charged with several serious offenses, including attempting to meet a child under 16 after grooming, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual communication with a child.

During the court proceedings, Gleed, who has a criminal history that includes 15 prior convictions for various offenses, pleaded guilty. His lawyer, Martha Smith-Higgins, cited health issues, specifically his diagnosis of asbestosis, and his recent separation from his partner as factors to consider in sentencing.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins expressed concern over the “inordinate delay” in the case and ultimately sentenced Gleed to a 21-month suspended sentence, requiring him to complete a 30-day rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs, register as a sex offender for ten years, and adhere to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

For individuals affected by grooming or abuse, support is available through various resources. Childline offers confidential assistance for young people at 0800 1111 or via their website at www.childline.org.uk. The NSPCC Helpline is also accessible 24/7 at 0808 800 5000 or through www.nspcc.org.uk.

The case has sparked discussions regarding the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing sexual offenses against minors and the role of vigilante groups in exposing such behavior.