Undercover online Met operation brings child sex offender to justice

A man has been jailed following an online undercover Met operation that exposed how he was planning to carry out disturbing sex offences towards children.

Sean Wallace, 44 (17.07.80), of Woodside Road, Haringey, was sentenced to 14-and-a-half years' imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 19 September for arranging the rape of a child under 13 and distributing an indecent image of a child.

During an undercover operation in which a police officer posed online as a woman with access to a child, Wallace contacted the officer asking if he could sexually abuse the fictional child. He sent sexual images of himself as well as indecent images of other children. During online chat and telephone calls Wallace spoke openly about his desire to abuse young girls and made arrangements to meet the woman in order that he could rape the child.

He was arrested at his home address after he failed to attend the planned meeting stating that he was nervous and needed more time to build up trust with the woman before meeting her.

The examination of his mobile phone identified that Wallace was speaking online to numerous apparently underage girls.

He was charged on 19 August 2022 and has been held on remand until his sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Robert Blant, whose team led the investigation, said: “Sean Wallace is a dangerous predatory offender, who preyed on innocent and vulnerable young children.

“My team worked around the clock to bring Wallace to justice by going through large amounts of disturbing digital evidence collated from his online activities and seized from his home. I’m pleased that as a result of great policing work, we have prevented a dangerous individual from continuing to offend and ruin the lives of children or young people.

“Our dedicated teams will continue to apply their expertise in investigating child sexual offences to safeguard children and young people across London.”

Children and young people are the most vulnerable in society, and the Met is committed to keeping them safe in person and online.

As part of the New Met for London plan, our officers are working closely with third sector partners, including The Children’s Society to help young people, parents and carers spot the signs of sexual abuse and predatory behaviour online and offline.