A 43-year-old man from Dorchester, identified as Simon Silvester, has been apprehended following a sting operation orchestrated by a child protection team known as The UK Database. The group, which specializes in exposing online predators, caught Silvester engaging in inappropriate conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Silvester told, who he believed to be a 14 year old child.
“I want you to be my spoon”
Silvester also sent pictures, of his genitals in the bath to the decoy.
The sting operation unfolded during which Silvester initiated contact with a decoy account set up by the team. The account was designed to mimic the online presence of a young teenage girl, a tactic often employed by groups like The UK Database to catch individuals preying on minors.
According to sources close to the investigation, Silvester began chatting with the decoy, who he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Over time, the conversation became increasingly inappropriate, with Silvester allegedly making explicit comments and attempting to arrange a meeting.
Members of The UK Database meticulously documented the entire exchange, gathering evidence to hand over to local authorities. In a planned confrontation, members of the group met Silvester at an undisclosed location in Dorchester, confronting him with the chat logs and revealing the sting. The encounter was streamed live on social media, a common practice for the group to raise awareness and prevent potential predators from exploiting children.
During the live stream published on Facebook, Silvester admitted multiply offences.
Following the confrontation, Dorset Police were notified, and Silvester was subsequently arrested. He is currently under investigation, and charges are expected to be filed pending a review of the evidence collected by both The UK Database and the police.
The UK Database, a controversial but increasingly prominent vigilante group, has gained a significant following for its efforts to expose individuals who prey on children online. While their methods have sparked debate, particularly regarding issues of entrapment and due process, the group’s activities have led to several high-profile arrests in recent years.
Silvester’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community in Dorchester, where he was previously unknown to authorities for such offenses. Neighbours expressed disbelief, with many describing him as a quiet individual who kept to himself.
As the investigation continues, the case has once again highlighted the dangers posed by online predators and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating these crimes. The role of vigilante groups like The UK Database remains a topic of discussion, as society grapples with balancing the protection of children with the need for due process and ethical law enforcement practices.
Silvester is employed at a local electronics factory, as a supervisor at AmuletHotkey involved in government contracts.
Further information and support to protect children online can be found at www.ceop.police.uk
Kallum Gethins