Perth Predator Sentenced for Disturbing Child Kidnap Scheme
A predator who meticulously planned to kidnap and sexually abuse a child in the roof space of his Perth home has been jailed for seven years and five months, following a shocking investigation that began with the interception of a child-like sex doll.
Border Force Interception Sparks Police Investigation
The case came to light after Australia Border Force officers intercepted a sex doll in mid-2024, alerting authorities to suspicious activity. This initial detection led WA Police's child exploitation operations squad to the Baldivis residence of 39-year-old Jason William Forbes, where a search warrant uncovered a deeply disturbing plot.
Police discovered that Forbes had conducted extensive internet searches, marking the locations of kindergartens across the Perth metropolitan area. Evidence revealed he was constructing a fortified space in his home's loft, using timber purchased from Bunnings and acoustic foam intended to soundproof the room.
Chilling Evidence of Premeditated Planning
During sentencing, District Court Judge Darren Renton detailed the horrifying extent of Forbes' preparations. A mind map written on a mirror in the master bedroom explicitly outlined a plan to kidnap a child. Forbes had used his Tesla vehicle to record video of children aged eight and ten on a residential driveway in April 2024, saving a still image with the address to a folder named 'X marks the spot' – a location less than two kilometres from his home.
Further internet searches included:
- "Volunteer childcare work near me"
- "Chloroform"
- "Knockout chemicals and gases"
- "Yellow safety house sign or badge"
- The address of a notorious American sex offender who abducted and repeatedly raped an 11-year-old girl over 18 years
Police located a fake police badge in Forbes' car console, confirming his intention to impersonate an officer to facilitate the abduction of a young female child.
Extensive Child Exploitation Material Discovered
In addition to the kidnapping plot, detectives found a substantial cache of child exploitation material in Forbes' possession, including content depicting the abuse of infants. This discovery prompted immediate police intervention to protect public safety.
Forbes was charged with multiple offences, including:
- Attempting to possess child-like sex dolls
- Using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16
- Possessing child exploitation material
Judge Condemns Sustained Criminal Preparation
Judge Renton emphasised that Forbes' criminality was aggravated by significant premeditation, stating: "Your use of the internet shows a clear and detailed degree of searching to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child. You were making modifications to your home consistent with your planned intention. This was not impulsive conduct but one that was preceded by sustained and deliberate preparation over a number of months."
Following the conviction, the proceeds of crime squad seized all of Forbes' assets, including his home, car, and bank accounts.
Law Enforcement Highlights Importance of Early Intervention
ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj noted that the initial detection of the sex doll played a crucial role in uncovering the broader plot: "By working together with our law enforcement colleagues at WA Police we have helped to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community – our children. This case is further evidence that these child-like sex dolls are far from harmless and can contribute to desensitising individuals to the horrific damage caused by the sexual abuse of children."
Detective Acting Superintendent David Palmer of the Sex Crime Division added: "Through the identification of concerning behaviour and extensive preparatory planning, WA Police were able to disrupt the offender's actions before any child was physically harmed."
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by Australian law enforcement to combat child exploitation and prevent harm to vulnerable members of the community.
