William Grassby was handed the two year term at Sheffield Crown Court today (Thursday 9 March) after admitting to multiple offences relating to sexual communications with children.
Grassby was identified through two sting operations – one led by the police, and the other by members of the public.
The then 47-year-old had been messaging the first decoy, who he believed to be 14, over the course of a week before arranging to meet him for sex at Meadowhall, Sheffield.
Grassby also befriended an undercover police officer, posing as a 12-year-old boy, on social media. He began to send multiple sexual messages to the boy, asking about his sexual interests and arranging to meet up and have sex.
Following his arrest, Grassby’s electronic devices were seized which divulged his engagement in multiple sexual communications with suspected children.
He was charged with two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and one count of attempting to meet a boy under the age of 16 following grooming. He entered a guilty plea on 16 February before being jailed today.
Investigating officer Sarah Anderson said: “Grassby is an incredibly depraved individual with abhorrent intentions towards children.
“Grassby knew of both the children’s ages, and we have screenshots of messages where he’s arranging to meet with them out of the view of CCTV.
“This is obviously incredibly concerning for parents and carers of young children, particularly those who are on social media. If you have suspicions about who your child is speaking to online, I would urge you to contact us.”
Grassby, formerly of Spring Close View, has also been issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. He will also remain on the sex offenders’ register for a decade.
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