Locations
Patrick Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32
Description
A 70-year-old man who attempted to engage in sexual activity with whom he thought was a 12-year-old boy, has been sentenced to eight years behind bars following his appearance at court last Thursday (8 October 2026).
Robin Holmes, of Patrick Street in Grimsby, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communications with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, possession of indecent images of children, and three counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
In April 2026, detectives from our Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) received a referral from colleagues in the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit stating that communication had commenced between Holmes and who he believed to be a 12-year-old boy, but in fact was a decoy.
Holmes was sending sexual messages to the decoy profile through Snapchat, sending them an indecent image and asking them to send him images in return. This comes after he was released from prison in December 2025 following a recall after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that was already in place for previous sexual offences.
He was subsequently arrested at his home address where he resides alone. Several mobile phones were seized from the property, including the device used to engage with the decoy, to be forensically examined.
Detective Constable Amy Gee, leading the investigation from POLIT said:
“Holmes is a sickening individual, and I’m pleased he is now behind bars where he is unable to continue his attempts to target vulnerable people.
“At no point during his questioning did he display any remorse or deny the offences that were put to him in breach of his SHPO.
“Whilst this investigation involved a decoy child, I hope the sentence sends a clear message to anyone attempting to commit these types of offences, that it is never acceptable to prey on the vulnerable and we will bring you to justice for your crimes.
“I would urge anyone who has information or concerns about this kind of offending to report it by calling 101. We will always listen and support in any way we can.”