Children were at risk of being kidnapped and sexually abused by man who built sound-proof loft in his home

Children were at “imminent risk” of being kidnapped and sexually abused by a man who secretly built a sound-proof torture loft in his home and was busted watching child abuse material when investigators swooped, police have revealed. Jason William Forbes, 39, was last month sentenced to seven years and five months behind bars after police foiled his plan to abduct a girl by impersonating a police officer. But his case was only revealed by authorities this week. Forbes pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a child sex doll, using a carriage service to plan sexual activity with a child, and possessing child exploitation material. UK-born Forbes, who was living in the Perth suburb of Baldivis, had scoped out schools and created a loft with sound-proofing materials after researching how to build a panic room. Detective Acting Superintendent Eamon Flanagan said “something terrible” could have happened if police had not made the arrest. “It was clear that there was serious and imminent risk if there had been any delay in this investigation,” he told reporters on Wednesday. Australian Border Force Inspector David Williamson said Forbes was initially resistant to let officers into the home. “Once we got into the premises, it was apparent why he didn’t want us in the premises,” he told reporters. “There was an electronic device displaying child abuse material on the kitchen bench. “There was the additional (child-like sex) doll in the bedroom. “We immediately realised that it was beyond the remit of the Australian Border Force ... and we contacted our partner agency at the (WA Police) child exploitation operations area, who quickly attended and took over the evidence gathering.” Forbes came to the attention of authorities in 2024 after he ordered a child sex doll online. ABF officers executed a search warrant at his home. Digital devices believed to contain child exploitation material were seized, as well as nappies, children’s dolls, children’s underwear and a hard copy child exploitation image. During a search of his vehicle, officers also found a fake police badge. District Court Judge Darren Renton said in his sentencing remarks that Forbes had “carefully selected the features” of the doll, which was clearly childlike. “Simply said, you knew exactly what you wanted,” he said. “The communication showed that you also knew that it was illegal to import a doll that depicted a child which could be used for sexual intercourse. “You requested ongoing modifications to the doll over several communications and you paid for various upgraded features before confirming your order.” Regarding the second count, Judge Renton said Google searches showed Forbes was planning to kidnap a child. He searched various locations relating to schools and kindergartens within the Perth metropolitan area, with their locations marked on various Google Maps searches. “The web browsing searches ... show a concerning level of preparation to abduct the child for sexual purposes, including how to build a panic room in the loft and ... a search of the address of a notorious American sex offender who abducted and repeatedly raped an 11-year-old girl over an 18-year period,” Judge Renton said. His search history also include “volunteer childcare work near me”, “rubber under floorboards”, “AFP badge”, “chloroform”, “knockout chemicals and gases” and “yellow safety house sign or badge”. “The results of your internet searches were reflected in what has been described as an elaborate mind map written on a mirror in the master bedroom setting out a plan to kidnap a child,” Judge Renton said. He also used his Tesla to take a video of children aged eight and 10 on the driveway of a home less than 2km from his house in April 2024. A still image was taken from that video and saved to a folder named “X marks the spot”. In a rear bedroom of his home, police found a ladder that had been fitted to the roof space. Forbes had purchased timber from Bunnings to build the loft. Judge Renton said the child exploitation material in Forbes’ possession was extremely depraved, involving infants and children aged up to 15. He said the level of premeditation was an aggravating factor. “That planning revolved around the abduction of a young female child by means including pretending to be a police officer,” he said. “You were making modifications to your home consistent with your planned intention to engage in sexual activity with a child. “You made modifications to your Tesla in a manner also consistent with your internet searches to assist you to carry out your intention as you travelled around looking for a target. “This was not impulsive conduct but one that was preceded by sustained and deliberate preparation over a number of months.”Judge Renton said Forbes showed no remorse and he was concerned about Forbes’ prospect of rehabilitation. “I consider you pose an ongoing risk to such children in the absence of a genuine desire to rehabilitate,” he said. “Protection of the community is a relevant sentencing consideration.” Neighbours Kelly and Jeremy Robertson, who have two young children, told reporters they were shocked after learning what Forbes planned to do. “I feel like we’ve dodged the bullet,” Ms Robertson said. “It could’ve been our kids … they could’ve been snatched.” But she said Forbes had “never given any indication that he was interested” in her children. “We just thought he was a gamer, kept to himself, a single guy, never did anything else there,” she said.