Nathan Graham, aged 29, of Matson Avenue, Gloucester, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to a series of child sex offences, including attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity.
Appearing at Swindon Crown Court today, Graham admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity, arranging or facilitating penetrative sexual activity with a child, and possession of bladed articles in a public place.
The offences occurred on December 5 and 6 last year when Graham engaged with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl through a social media platform. During their communication, Graham sent explicit and graphic sexual images of himself to the girl, while also providing directions to bus stops and routes, seemingly in preparation for their meeting.
Despite Graham’s attempts to conceal his true age by falsely claiming to be 18, law enforcement intervened and apprehended him on December 7 in Bloomsbury Park, Freshbrook, Swindon, just as he was en route to meet the girl.
Following his arrest, Graham was charged with the offences and remanded into custody. Today’s sentencing also includes an indefinite registration on the sex offenders’ register and a 15-year sexual harm prevention order.
The investigation into Graham’s activities was conducted jointly by Wiltshire Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). Detective Constable Sarah Greenman, part of Wiltshire Police’s Child Internet Exploitation Team (CIET), emphasized the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring individuals like Graham are brought to justice.
CIET works tirelessly to protect children from online predators, and partnerships with organizations like SWROCU are vital in identifying and prosecuting such offenders to safeguard the public, stated Detective Constable Greenman.
Echoing these sentiments, Detective Inspector David Wells from SWROCU’s Online Investigations Team highlighted Graham’s conviction as a significant milestone in their mission to protect children and communities from harm.
The NSPCC offers comprehensive guidance for parents, caregivers, children, and professionals on internet safety. Additionally, individuals concerned about their online behaviour or that of someone they know can seek support from organizations such as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
The sentencing of Nathan Graham underscores the commitment of law enforcement to combat online exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals in society
