Defendant in Child Sex Communication Case Claims He Was Targeting Undercover Police

Ipswich Crown Court has heard that a man, apprehended with condoms and underwear in his vehicle, asserts he was en route to “catch out” and “confront” undercover police officers who were impersonating a teenage girl. Giles Croucher, aged 49, is currently on trial for attempting to engage a child in sexual communication and attempting to cause or incite a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. He denies both charges. Mr. Croucher, an Ipswich resident, was arrested on 28 June on the A12. The jury was informed that his car contained three white lace thongs in a gift bag, 10 condoms, and two mobile phones. It is alleged that he had communicated with an online account whose user purported to be a 14-year-old girl. A prepared statement from Mr. Croucher, given during an interview, was presented in court on Wednesday. He asserted his belief that he was communicating with an “undercover officer” and denied seeking sexual contact. He stated: “I went to meet them to confirm my suspicions, catch them out and confront them.” He added: “I had no intention to engage in any form of sexual activity.” He also claimed: “I found the phone in Alexandra Park.” The trial continues.