A loner from Watford who thought he was having sexual internet conversations with underage girls was actually chatting to police decoys.
Christopher Quigley, now 41, thought he was chatting with girls aged 12, 13 or 14 who were actually officers out to catch paedophiles.
The chef, who called himself ‘Shy Chris’, sent pictures of his bare chest and encouraged the “children” to engage in sexual acts.
Quigley, of Fulford Grove, Watford, appeared for sentence at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday, February 2) having admitted nine offences. One of attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, six of attempting to engage a child in sexual communication and two of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He had no previous convictions.
He cried in the dock as prosecutor Daniel Kersh outlined the details of the case. Quigley would first make contact with the “girls” through the Chat Hour site. He would continue the conversations on WhatsApp asking them if they had “ever been naughty” and asking one “not to tell anyone else.”
Quigley, who was 39 at the time, told one girl that he was a virgin and that he wanted to kiss her. He said they could meet if she took a day off school.
Defending, John Waller said Quigley was arrested in September 2021, but was not charged until two years later. He asked the judge to take the delay into account.
When interviewed by a probation officer, he had said he was under the influence of alcohol at the time he committed the offences. He confessed to having a drink problem.
Mr Waller said he had always wanted to plead guilty and had only short conversations with the decoys: “He was lonely and did not hide his persona.”
He went on: “He doesn’t have a smart phone anymore and is extremely remorseful.”
Recorder Stan Reiz KC jailed him for 32 months. He must abide by a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and register as a sex offender.
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