Lester Sharpe, 46, of no fixed address, was handed the sentence at Southwark Crown Court today (August 7).
He pleaded guilty in June to the charge of arranging the commission of child sex offences and was remanded in custody.
Over April and May 2025, Sharpe believed he was speaking to a person who would facilitate an online live stream of an eight-year-old girl being sexually abused.
The predator was actually speaking with an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Lester Sharpe (Image: Metropolitan Police) On the morning of May 7, Sharpe requested that the offence took place at a particular time that evening and made a specific request about what the child should wear during the abuse.
This step to view the footage enabled officers to progress with an arrest.
That same evening, when Sharpe was taking a break at his place of work in Kensington, police broke into the room through a locked door and found him as he prepared to access the live stream through his phone.
He was immediately arrested and subsequently charged.
Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit, said: “This operation identified a dangerous individual and through evidence-gathering resulted in a guilty plea.
“Today, further justice has been served, as harmful perpetrator has been taken off our streets.
“Even when he is released from prison, he will be monitored by our partners in probation – as well as local public protection policing teams – reducing the risk of further offending.
“While this is the latest display in our commitment to reduce violence against women and girls, the commitment doesn’t stop here.
“We understand the turmoil and lasting impact these crimes have on victim-survivors, which is why we treat cases like this with the utmost urgency and compassion.
“Anyone who has been a victim – or has concerns about child abuse and online harms – should report it via 101.
“Or if you wish to speak to Crimestoppers anonymously, contact using 0800 555 111.”
North East Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Detective Inspector Allen Hull added: “This has been a complex investigation which has thankfully helped secure a guilty plea and jail time for a vile predator.
“Under Operational Sentinel, we will continue to work with our partners to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending to come forward and talk to police.”
During an interview with police, Sharpe claimed he engaged in the online conversations to catch those facilitating child abuse.
He said it was his intention to get their details and report them to police.
The investigation found that Sharpe did not make any effort to report anyone he was speaking to.
Sharpe was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison.
He was found to be a dangerous offender and is therefore not liable for parole until he has served two-thirds of his sentence.
The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line is a free phone and online chat service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or where it happened.
Specialist staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.
They can be contacted through their website on 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk or by calling 0808 500 2222.
