Liam Hallett sent explicit videos to ‘teen girl’ before vigilante group confronted him

  A 28-year-old Hull man was snared by paedophile hunters after sending explicit messages and videos to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl, leading to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Liam Hallett, of Taunton Road, was confronted at his home by vigilantes after he attempted to groom a decoy posing as a teenager online. The sting resulted in his arrest and sentencing at Hull Crown Court.

Hallett pleaded guilty to:

🔴 Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
🔴 Attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Paedophile Hunters Expose Groomer’s Sinister Intentions

The sting began in January 2022, when a voluntary child safety group created an online decoy account posing as a 14-year-old girl. On May 16, 2023, Hallett sent a friend request and quickly steered the conversation into explicit territory.

Despite being told the girl was 14, Hallett:

✅ Sent a topless picture of himself.
✅ Repeatedly requested explicit photos from her.
✅ Sent a sexual video of himself twice.
✅ Pressured her to take naked pictures.
✅ Attempted to involve a “friend” in the exchange.

The girl repeatedly said she was “shy” and “had never taken pictures like that,” but Hallett persisted with his depraved demands.

Caught in the Act: Vigilantes Show Up at His Door

On June 2, 2023, members of the child protection group arrived at Hallett’s home, confronting him in a dramatic face-off. The group had already collected evidence of his predatory behaviour and handed it over to police.

Hallett was arrested and later admitted he knew the girl was 14. He blamed alcohol, claiming the explicit video was an old clip meant for an ex-girlfriend.

Court Sentences Groomer—but No Jail Time

At Hull Crown Court, Judge Alexander Menary acknowledged that no real child was involved, but emphasised Hallett’s clear intent to groom a minor.

Despite the seriousness of the case, Hallett avoided prison, as the judge noted he had stopped before his arrest and had not reoffended.

Hallett’s punishment:

🔴 One-year suspended prison sentence.
🔴 15 days of rehabilitation.
🔴 A 26-session sex offender programme.
🔴 A 60-day alcohol abstinence monitoring order.
🔴 A 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
🔴 10 years on the sex offenders register.

Hallett told the court: “I am sorry and regret what I did.”

Vigilante Justice: Help or Hindrance?

Paedophile hunter groups have led to multiple arrests across the UK, but critics warn they can jeopardise official investigations. While Hallett’s case resulted in a conviction, police have urged the public to report concerns directly to authorities rather than engaging in amateur stings.For Hallett, the damage is done—his online fantasies never became reality, but his name is now tarnished for a decade.