ALAN EVANS GROOMED 13-YEAR-OLD SUNDERLAND GIRL ON FACEBOOK IN BENWELL

In January 2014, a disturbing case of online grooming came to light involving Alan Evans, a 38-year-old man from Canning Street, Benwell. Evans engaged in a troubling and inappropriate online relationship with a 13-year-old girl from Sunderland, which ultimately led to his arrest and court proceedings.

According to court reports, Evans repeatedly contacted the young girl via Facebook, bombarding her with as many as 20 calls each day. Over the course of their online interactions, the man and the girl exchanged more than 1,200 messages, many of which contained flirtatious language and references to their relationship. The messages included terms of endearment such as “babe,” and both parties often referred to each other as “sexy mackem,” a nickname that Evans used to address the girl.

The relationship was brought to light when the girl’s father, concerned about her online activity, checked her Facebook account. It was then that he discovered the extensive message exchange between his daughter and Evans, raising alarm bells about potential grooming and exploitation.

Prosecutor Bob Spragg outlined the details of the case in court, emphasizing that the messages revealed a pattern of inappropriate communication. Both Evans and the girl referenced each other as “babe,” and there were clear declarations of love, along with arrangements to meet in person. The messages also explicitly acknowledged the girl’s young age, with Evans making it clear that he was aware of her being only 13.

During the conversations, Evans explicitly told the girl that they could not have a physical relationship because of her age. However, Mr. Spragg pointed out that one message indicated Evans had feelings for the girl and was aware that his actions were wrong, which added to the seriousness of the case.

When the matter was brought before Newcastle Crown Court, Evans admitted to grooming the girl. He claimed that their meetings involved only kissing and cuddling, asserting that there was no intention of engaging in any sexual activity beyond that. Despite his claims, the court found the case to be a serious breach of trust and safety.

Judge Jeremy Freedman sentenced Evans to a community order for three years, which includes supervision and participation in rehabilitation programs. Additionally, Evans is required to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years and must adhere to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. The judge acknowledged that Evans had not attempted to push the girl into sexual activities but emphasized that his conduct was highly inappropriate and morally wrong, describing the relationship as a serious misconduct.

This case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance by parents and guardians to protect young people from exploitation in the digital age.