ALLAN WILKINSON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL GROOMING IN ESSEX
A 77-year-old man from Essex has been sentenced to prison after engaging in deeply disturbing acts of sexual grooming and exploitation targeting a vulnerable teenage girl.The case, heard at Chelmsford Crown Court, exposed the frightening details of how Allan Wilkinson preyed on a 16-year-old girl he met online while she was seeking employment as a household assistant.
Wilkinson, who resides on Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill, deliberately targeted the young girl despite her evident mental health struggles, which Wilkinson appeared to recognize.
Over a period of time, he manipulated her emotionally and sexually, coercing her into engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money and gifts.
The court was informed that the teenager repeatedly told Wilkinson to stop his conduct, yet he persisted in his predatory behavior.
He also exploited her vulnerability further by persuading her to send him explicit photographs.
Throughout the proceedings, it was established that Wilkinson was fully aware of the girl’s age—she was only 16—yet he continued with his criminal activities.
His actions included paying for sexual services involving a minor and making indecent photographs of a child.
These grave offenses culminated in his guilty plea to charges of paying for child sexual services and possessing indecent images of a young girl.
On Friday, November 25, Wilkinson received a jail sentence totaling 30 months.
In addition to his imprisonment, Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation Proactive Investigation Team secured a Sexual Harm Prevention Order against him, which will be in effect for seven years.
Under the terms of this order, Wilkinson is prohibited from having any contact with girls under the age of 18, from possessing any electronic device capable of internet access, and he must make any devices he owns available for police inspection upon request.
Detective Constable Steven Tilley of Essex Police commented on the case, commending the bravery of the victim.
“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage, demonstrated by the victim in this case.
Wilkinson preyed on this young girl, sexually grooming her in exchange for money.
She had trusted him and he so thoroughly abused that trust.
I hope the victim can begin the very slow process of piecing her life back together and I cannot praise her enough in coming forward to help us secure justice and take this sexual predator off of our streets.” Essex Police remains committed to protecting vulnerable youth from exploitation, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activity.
If you suspect a crime or need assistance, you are encouraged to call 101, visit the police website to submit a report, or dial 999 in emergencies.
Support services are available for individuals affected by sexual abuse and rape.
Synergy Essex, an independent consortium comprising centre partners such as CARA, SERICC, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis, offers comprehensive emotional support, counselling, and advocacy for victims of all genders and ages across Essex.
Victims can seek help confidentially, either through self-referral or via referral by trusted friends, family, or professionals.
For those involved in the criminal justice process, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) to guide and support them through each stage.
