ALEXANDER PARKHOUSE SENT TO PRISON FOR ONLINE GROOMING IN LONDON AND PENCLAWDD

In March 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Alexander Parkhouse, a man with connections to both London and Penclawdd, who engaged in a serious online grooming offense. The court heard that Parkhouse, aged 22, had targeted a young girl through social media platforms, attempting to establish a sexual relationship with her despite her clear indications of her age.

According to the proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, Parkhouse persistently pestered the girl, who resides in Lancashire, even after she explicitly informed him of her age. His inappropriate inquiries included questions about her sexual activities and her underwear, revealing his intent to exploit her. The court was also shown a video sent by Parkhouse, which depicted his genitalia, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

The girl confided in her father about the disturbing messages and images, prompting her family to contact the police. This led to an investigation that uncovered Parkhouse’s online misconduct. Previously, he had pleaded guilty to inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, a crime committed between August and November 2016. At the time of sentencing, Parkhouse was present in court to face the consequences of his actions.

Judge Paul Thomas QC expressed his firm belief that Parkhouse had deliberately sought out social media platforms with the specific purpose of engaging in sexual conversations with underage girls. The judge remarked, “You were testing the water to see how far you could push things,” highlighting the calculated nature of his offending.

Despite Parkhouse’s apparent intelligence and his stable relationship, which suggested he had much to lose, the judge emphasized that his online behavior was a clear breach of trust and safety. The court found no reason to suspend his prison sentence, given the seriousness of his actions.

Taking into account his guilty plea, the judge granted him a one-third reduction in his sentence, resulting in a two-year prison term. Additionally, Parkhouse was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offenses.