Predator nabbed: Two years behind bars for online grooming of teenage girls
A 27-year-old man has been locked up for two years after pleading guilty to inciting two underage girls to engage in sexual activity. Dale Lucas, who has no fixed address, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Monday (15/4) where he admitted the shocking offences.
Groomed two teenage girls online
Between February and March 2017, Lucas started online chats with two teenage girls from different parts of the UK. He formed a disturbing online relationship with a 13-year-old, discussing plans to meet up.
Lucas repeatedly urged her to engage in sexual activity, although they never actually met in person.
Graphic messages sent to 15-year-old victim
Lucas also targeted a second victim, a 15-year-old girl, sending explicit sexual messages and discussing meeting up with her as well.
Quick action from mum and police
Lucas was arrested in May 2017 after a lengthy investigation and charged in February 2019. Thanks to the quick thinking of the 13-year-old’s mother, who discovered the messages on her daughter’s iPad, further harm was avoided. The 15-year-old victim also stopped all contact with Lucas on her own.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Rob Gibson said: “This case highlights the dangers faced by children online. I urge parents to monitor their kids’ internet activity closely.”
“Lucas entered a guilty plea at the earliest chance and I’m pleased the court recognised the risk he posed and handed down a custodial sentence.”
Lucas was also slapped with a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to keep him away from young victims in the future.
