Paedophile, 25, who was snared by police while trying to meet up with a young boy for sex is jailed

A paedophile who was snared by police officers while trying to meet up and abuse a young boy has been jailed for four years.

Bex McCullgh, from Backwell, North Somerset, travelled to Bristol in October 2024 to meet up with the child for sex, but was instead arrested by undercover officers from South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

The 25-year-old was charged with attempting to incite a person under the age of 16 to ‘give an receive’ sex acts for the ‘purpose of obtaining sexual gratification’. 

McCullgh pleaded guilty on Monday to arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

At Bristol Crown Court, the judge handed down an extended sentence of eight years, consisting of four years in prison and a further four years on extended licence. 

McCullgh must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before the sex offender can apply for release.

In addition to the prison sentence, McCullgh was also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and will be added to the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

Detective Inspector David Wells from SWROCU commented: ‘The sentence handed down to McCullgh reflects the threat posed to children.

‘Our Online Investigations Team is part of a national network who work to identify and arrest offenders looking to sexually abuse or exploit children online. 

‘Outcomes like this show how important that work is, but equally how essential it is for young people and their carers to be alert to the risks.’