Hullbridge man handed SHPO for attempting sexual communication with "child"
Stephen Hulse targeted an undercover officer posing as 12-year-old online
A Hullbridge man has been issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after admitting to attempting sexual communication with someone he believed to be a child online.
Stephen Hulse, 52, of Waxwell Road, targeted an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl on a chat site in June 2025.
Despite learning the "child's" stated age, Hulse continued the conversation.
Following investigation, Essex Police traced the online activity to Hulse's residence, where he was arrested on 20th June 2025.
Police seized 19 digital devices from his home for examination.
At Basildon Crown Court on 22nd July 2026, Hulse admitted to the offence, resulting in his placement on the sex offenders register.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 40 hours of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement activities.
The case was handled by Essex Police’s Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT), which focuses on safeguarding children from online sexual exploitation.
DC Red Leeson from POLIT highlighted the risk posed by offenders targeting young people online, and the team's commitment to holding them accountable.
"Our work to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse online is focused on identifying and bringing to justice offenders who pose a serious risk to children," Leeson said.
POLIT continues its efforts to protect vulnerable victims and ensure offenders face justice through the courts.
Individuals or families affected by online abuse are encouraged to reach out to Essex Police for support.