A man has been sentenced to 12 years and 3 months in prison after attempting to view a live-streamed sexual abuse of a child, in what police have described as a “vile and calculated attempt” to engage in one of the most serious forms of online child exploitation.
Lester Sharpe, 46, of no fixed address, was caught red-handed by Metropolitan Police officers on 7 May 2025, as he prepared to access the abuse footage on his mobile phone from a locked basement room at his workplace in Kensington.
Sharpe appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 7 August 2025, where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to arranging the commission of child sex offences.
Predator Caught in Undercover Operation
Between April and May 2025, Sharpe believed he was communicating with someone who could arrange the sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl via livestream. In reality, he was speaking with an undercover officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
On the day of his arrest, Sharpe had made a specific request regarding the clothing the child should wear during the abuse and tried to arrange a precise time for the abuse to be broadcast — an action that triggered his arrest.
"This operation identified a dangerous individual and through evidence-gathering resulted in a guilty plea," said Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit.
"Even when he is released from prison, he will be monitored by our partners in probation and local protection teams."
During his interview, Sharpe claimed he was posing as a predator to expose others. However, investigators found no evidence that he ever attempted to report his conversations or contacts to authorities.
Lifetime Monitoring Ordered
Sharpe was sentenced as a dangerous offender, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until at least two-thirds of his sentence has been served. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
"This has been a complex investigation which has thankfully helped secure jail time for a vile predator," said Detective Inspector Allen Hull from the North East ROCU.
"We remain committed under Operation Sentinel to tackling online child sexual abuse and exploitation."
How to Report Concerns
Police urge anyone with concerns about child abuse, grooming, or online harm to come forward. You can:
- Call 101 or 999 in an emergency
- Report anonymously via Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
- Visit: www.met.police.uk
If you have been affected by this case or similar experiences, support is available.
Support Services
The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free, confidential support to anyone aged 16+ who has experienced unwanted sexual activity, regardless of when or where it happened.
- Call: 0808 500 2222
- Visit: www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
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