ALAN SPRAGG FROM CARNFORTH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING YOUNG GIRLS ON FACEBOOK IN LANCASTER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Alan Spragg, a 25-year-old man from Carnforth, has been convicted and sentenced for his involvement in the sexual grooming of underage girls via social media. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of manipulative behavior carried out through Facebook, where Spragg used the platform to establish contact with vulnerable young girls, including two aged 14 and one aged 13, with the intent of engaging them in inappropriate and sexual conversations.

According to the evidence presented at Preston Crown Court, Spragg, who was employed as a supermarket worker, actively befriended the girls online. His actions included making covert sexual suggestions and, in one particularly disturbing incident, physically touching one of the victims over and under her clothing. The court heard that Spragg coerced one of the girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, into touching his genitalia, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

His Honour Judge Wright addressed Spragg directly during sentencing, stating, “All that for sexual gratification at a time you knew this girl was vulnerable because of circumstances you were aware of at the time. The victim will be traumatised to some extent.” The judge emphasized the manipulative nature of Spragg’s actions, noting that through his initial contact with one girl, he was able to reach out to a second 14-year-old, who was a friend of the first victim. The messages exchanged between Spragg and the second girl indicated his clear intent to engage her in sexual intercourse.

Further aggravating the case was the fact that Spragg continued to pursue contact with the victims despite being asked to cease by the stepfather of one of the girls. After his arrest and subsequent release on bail, during which he was ordered to have no contact with young females, Spragg did not desist. Instead, he approached a third girl, aged 13, demonstrating a persistent, manipulative, and deceitful pattern of behavior that starkly contrasted with the character references provided on his behalf.

Judge Wright described Spragg as a danger to the public, highlighting the significant risk of further harm. As a result, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional four-year extension, minus the 67 days already spent on remand. The court also issued a sexual offences prevention order, prohibiting Spragg from using any device capable of contacting children and barring him from working with minors in the future.

Members of Spragg’s family were present in the courtroom, visibly emotional as he received his sentence. Detective Sergeant Simon Coates commented on the case, expressing satisfaction with the outcome: “I am very satisfied with this sentence and it reflects the serious nature of the offences committed by Alan Spragg. Anybody who is concerned that a young person in their care is being sexually exploited should contact their local police or children’s services department for help and support. We will not tolerate individuals who seek to exploit young people sexually.”

Spragg’s current residence is in Lancaster, with a postcode of LA1, where he has been living since his release from custody. His case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.