Paul Clarkson, 56, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught in a sting operation by a group of paedophile hunters. The Wolverhampton man engaged in explicit online conversations with a decoy profile posing as a 13-year-old schoolgirl.
During their exchanges, Clarkson described in graphic detail the sexual acts he wished the fictitious girl to perform and even offered to expose himself to her. He admitted to police that he was “just lonely” and acknowledged his wrongdoing, controversially comparing himself to notorious offenders Rolf Harris, Jimmy Savile, and Gary Glitter.
The case came to light after the vigilante group alerted police to Clarkson’s activities on the Bigo app. Investigations revealed he initiated contact on 18 July 2025, mistaking the decoy for someone aged about 15 despite being told she was 13. Their conversations eventually moved to WhatsApp, where Clarkson shared explicit messages and provided his full name.
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Following a confrontation with the paedophile hunters in August 2025, police arrested Clarkson at his home. In interview, he admitted the conversations but claimed he believed he was speaking with a mature man and denied any sexual interest in children.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Clarkson’s messages were highly sexualised but did not escalate beyond online communication as he eventually blocked the decoy. Clarkson pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual communication with a child, two counts of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
Recorder Brown sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a rehabilitation activity requirement of 15 days alongside 150 hours of unpaid work. Clarkson must also remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Clarkson, now residing in Gillingham, Kent, committed the offences in Walsall. The court acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility and the personal difficulties he has faced, including several bereavements.
This case highlights the continued efforts of community groups working alongside law enforcement to protect children from online sexual exploitation.