The bone-chilling preparation a man undertook before his calculated and twisted plot to kidnap a child was foiled has been revealed.

Jason William Forbes, from Baldivis in Perth’s southern suburbs, had scoped out schools, kindergartens and early learning centres, searched ways to approach, isolate and restrain a child, and even created detailed diagrams outlining an intended abduction, police said.

The 39-year-old former electrician had been collecting children’s nappies and underwear, and used his Tesla to take videos of young children on their driveways.

“Police also identified structural modifications to his residence, including construction work to a roof and attic space with restricted access, which formed part of the overall assessment that the accused was actively preparing to commit physical harm,” authorities said.

“Forensic analysis of seized electronic devices revealed large volumes of child exploitation material, including material involving very young children.

“Combined with the offender’s documented planning activity, investigators assessed the risk as serious and ongoing, necessitating immediate intervention.”

Authorities were put on alert when Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted an illegal child-like sex doll the man was trying to import in mid-2024.

Be the first to know: Add 7NEWS as your preferred news source on Google

Snow Conditions Are PerfectTravel Wisconsin|
Sponsored

During a raid on the then 37-year-old’s home detectives “identified extensive preparatory behaviour consistent with planned child abduction and abuse”.

“As a result of this co-ordinated action, police were able to intervene before any child was physically harmed,” WA authorities said.

Forbes pleaded guilty to 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, and possessing child exploitation material.

A sentencing judge dismissed suggestions he had carried out research for a novel, saying his actions were “deliberate, calculated and premeditated” and reflected a sustained intention that was “chilling”.

Forbes was sentenced to seven years and five months behind bars.

‘Dodged a bullet’

Locals in Perth’s south say they “dodged a bullet”.

“That could have been our children. They could have been walking home from school as they did, and that they could have been snatched,” one said.

ABF commander Ranjeev Maharaj said the initial detection of the sex doll was crucial to uncovering the additional crimes.

“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,” Maharaj said.

“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.”

Forbes will be eligible for release in December 2029