A reporter for The Argus in Brighton has been commended by the police for the part she played in catching a ring of paedophiles.
Ruth Lumley was travelling home on a train when she saw a mobile phone number written on a toilet door asking girls aged between eight and 13 for sex.
Lumley, who was a reporter for the Chichester Observer at the time, decided to phone the number to investigate.
She then received a text message asking how old she was and whether she was male or female. Lumley replied claiming that she was an 11-year-old girl.
Related
She then received sexually explicit text messages and a message asking whether she could meet up with the texter. Lumley phoned the police and was later contacted by the British Transport Police to give a statement.
They took her phone away for analysis and the police organised to meet the man, who was later arrested.
From his mobile phone records the police found more information that helped in the capture and arrest of three other men involved in the paedophile ring.
Content from our partners
The three men pleaded guilty at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, and sentencing for all four was adjourned.
Sussex Police said that Lumley had been a catalyst in their investigation.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
