Sex fiend Reece Cano caught trying to groom 12-year-old girl for abuse
Online predator trawls apps for a child victim
Reece Cano repeatedly hunted for indecent images of a child he believed was just 12 years old. He used dating and instant messaging apps from 19 September to 11 October 2020 to target a supposed juvenile. Despite the ‘girl’ replying multiple times that she was only 12, Cano pushed for explicit contact and tried to coax her into sending illegal images.
Planned hotel meet-up to carry out abuse
Cano’s messages were full of lewd demands and even included plans to meet at a hotel. In October, he arranged to meet the child at a “quiet location” in Snodland, intending to abuse her.
But here’s the twist – the child wasn’t real. It was a police sting. Cano was arrested on 11 October 2020 after officers executed a search warrant at his home. They found a crucial mobile phone hidden away in an airing cupboard, which held damning evidence of his twisted conversations.
Jailed and branded ‘dangerous’ by the courts
Cano was slapped with multiple charges: two counts of attempting to cause or incite a child to sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, arranging a child sex offence, breaching a sexual harm prevention order, and failing to comply with notification rules.
At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to ALL charges.
On 20 April 2021, Cano was sentenced to four years behind bars plus an extended four-year licence period. The court labelled him “dangerous”, ruling he must serve two thirds before parole is even considered. He was also hit with a sexual harm prevention order and must stay on the sex offenders register for life.
Police issue stark warning to parents
“Reece Cano made persistent, repeated efforts to contact a child for his own sick gratification,” said Kent Police Investigator Natalie Armstrong. “He showed a clear desire and determination to abuse a child, with graphic, deeply concerning messages.
“Parents must talk to children about online safety and the dangers of chatting to strangers on mobiles or messaging apps. Kids should only communicate with people they know and must report any creepy or inappropriate advances to parents, schools or police.”
