ANDREW DYKE FROM MELKSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEX CRIMES INVOLVING CHILD VIA SOCIAL MEDIA IN SALISBURY

In October 2021, a disturbing case involving a man from Melksham, Wiltshire, culminated in his being sentenced to prison for serious sexual offenses against a minor. The individual, Andrew Dyke, was found guilty of multiple charges related to grooming and sexually abusing a child he had lured through social media platforms.

Dyke, aged 33, was arrested and brought before Salisbury Crown Court to face justice for his actions. The case revealed that Dyke had initiated contact with his young victim in March 2019, engaging in online conversations that quickly escalated. The communication between Dyke and the child continued into April 2019, during which he maintained contact and built a relationship with the minor through digital means.

By September of the same year, Dyke had arranged to meet the child in person, an encounter that led to him committing sexual offences. The details of the crimes were thoroughly examined during the trial, which resulted in a jury finding Dyke guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child and three counts of sexual communication with a minor. Dyke admitted to the online communications but denied the physical acts, though the evidence presented was sufficient for conviction.

Following his conviction, Dyke was ordered to surrender his mobile phone, which was likely used in the commission of the offences. Additionally, he was subjected to a restraining order designed to prevent any contact with the victim or other minors, and he was placed on the sexual offenders register, marking him as a convicted sex offender within the community.

Dyke’s sentencing at Salisbury Crown Court resulted in a total prison term of 15 years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victim. The case underscores the dangers posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation through digital platforms.