Twisted Brothers Jailed for Exploiting Vulnerable Teen Girls Across Essex
Predator Used Dating Apps to Trap Teens
John Bancroft, 68, from Buckhurst Hill, Essex, stalked teenage girls aged 13 to 18 on dating app MyLol. Using fake profiles, he lured vulnerable victims with “sugar daddy” offers between 2016 and 2017. He pretended to be younger and promised to be their mentor, provider, and lover — but it was all lies to fulfil his twisted desires.
Brother Joined in Sick Exploitation
John’s brother, Graham Manicom, 62, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, joined him on two recorded occasions in hotel rooms to abuse the girls sexually. Both were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 21 February, with Bancroft locked up for an extended term due to his high risk to the public. Manicom received four years behind bars.
Graphic Details of Abuse and Grooming
- Bancroft sent up to 100 WhatsApp messages a day to groom victims.
- He paid girls with money, gifts, and food in exchange for sex acts, including group sex and sadomasochism.
- Took victims to hotels, remote areas, and his home for sexual exploitation.
- Shared indecent images of victims on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
- Forced victims to send explicit photos of themselves while sharing obscene images of himself.
Detectives Praised for Tackling Sinister Crime
“The investigation was thorough and relentless,” said the court, awarding Detective Sergeant Kelly Ryan and Detective Constable Betsy Davey a Judge’s commendation for cracking the case.
The chilling abuse only came to light after a victim’s sister grew suspicious and alerted police. Bancroft was charged in January 2020 and placed on the sex offenders register in September after admitting to possessing indecent images of children.
This horrific case exposes the dark world of online grooming and child exploitation lurking beneath everyday apps. Thanks to police vigilance, these vile brothers face justice — but the scars on their victims will last a lifetime.
