A MEMBER of a paedophile hunter group has welcomed changes that could see the courts come down harder on predators caught in stings.

Under changes coming in from May 31, judges and magistrates will consider offenders' intent even in cases where no actual child exists or no sexual activity takes place.

The changes to the Sentencing Council's guidelines for such cases come the Court of Appeal handed out tougher sentences to convicted offenders in cases where no child existed.

Paedophile hunters and police often pose as children online in a bid to snare predators prowling the internet.

One member of a paedophile group, Izzy Hunter, welcomed the news but still wants courts to go further.

Izzy is a member of the sting group BACK UP that has previously caught paedophiles in the area.

She said: “It is good they are looking at the intent to harm a child even if an actual real child does not exist, or no actual sexual activity is involved but are focusing on the actual intent.

READ MORE: Snapchat paedophile jailed at Southampton Crown Court

“However there is still no real deterrence as no minimum jail term, with offenders being released back into society after initial arrest under (release under investigation) with no restrictions at all which means it makes it so hard for employers and partners.

“They are then being charged and sentenced two to three years later - sometimes four years later.

"We sting so many repeat offenders as they think they have got away with it as they haven't heard anything for years or just get a slap on the wrist.”

The changes in the guidelines cover the offences of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, as well as causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

But Sentencing Council member, Judge Rosa Dean, said: “The sentencing guidelines published today bring greater clarity to the courts on how to deal with cases of arranging or facilitating child sexual offences, even in cases where no actual child exists, or no sexual activity took place.”

Izzy added: “There is no minimum prison sentence set which I believe there should be for sexual offences against children.

“We are in an epidemic of these cases. Until tougher sentences are imposed and they get rid of RUI and at least give them restrictions nothing will change.”

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