Kevin Wilkes, a 57-year-old resident of Johnson Avenue in Prescot, found himself back in court on charges related to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child. This unsettling case took a surprising turn when an online vigilante group, known as the Newcastle Hunters, uncovered his alleged misconduct.

Wilkes, previously convicted of indecently assaulting a child in 1984, appeared in court after being remanded into custody. The charges stem from his purported attempts to initiate inappropriate conversations with an individual he believed to be a child. However, unbeknownst to Wilkes, the person on the other end of the conversation was a decoy working for the Newcastle Hunters.

As scrutiny intensified, the situation spilt over into the community, with over 20 residents gathering outside Wilkes’ residence in Prescot. Tensions escalated rapidly, prompting a call to emergency services. Video footage captured the moment when Wilkes was escorted out of his home by police officers, met with cheers from the crowd as he was led away.

Today, Wilkes made an appearance before the Wirral Magistrates Court, where he was remanded further into custody. His next court date is set for March 14, 2024, at the Liverpool Crown Court, where additional legal proceedings will unfold.

The case underscores the critical importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly online, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect communities from potential harm.