AARON BRITCHFORD FROM KIRTON CAUGHT IN SEXUAL PREDATION ON FACEBOOK IN LINCOLN

In March 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Kirton who engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior towards a young girl through social media. The incident was brought to light when a third party noticed concerning messages on Facebook and reported them, leading to a police investigation.

According to court proceedings at Lincoln Crown Court, Aaron Britchford, aged 24 and residing on London Road in Kirton, had established contact with a 13-year-old girl via Facebook. Over the course of their online interactions, Britchford gradually gained her trust, engaging her in conversations that became increasingly inappropriate.

Prosecutor Phil Howes detailed that Britchford's messages included sexual suggestions, asking the girl what she would do if he cuddled and kissed her. He also inquired whether she would 'grass' on him, indicating a desire to engage in sexual activity and testing her willingness to keep their conversations secret. The situation escalated when Britchford made a more explicit sexual suggestion directly to the girl, clearly indicating his intentions.

Mr. Howes emphasized that there was no ambiguity about Britchford’s motives, stating, “There is no doubt as to what he was hoping was going to happen.” The case came to light after a third party observed the inappropriate messages on the Facebook account and alerted the girl’s mother, which ultimately led to police involvement.

Britchford admitted to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity on October 28, 2011. His actions prompted legal action, and he was subsequently sentenced in court. The judge, James Sampson, described the sentence as a serious but appropriate response, noting that Britchford was given a three-year community order and was required to participate in a sexual offenders’ group work program.

Furthermore, Britchford was prohibited from contacting the girl for a period of three years, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years. The court’s decision reflected the gravity of his actions, with Judge Sampson warning that Britchford posed a potential danger to young girls like the victim. He also acknowledged that, fortunately, the situation did not escalate beyond what was visible on the computer screen, implying that the case was a warning about the dangers of online predation.