ANDREW SWAN FROM STOCKBRIDGE JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN BRADFORD

In March 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Andrew Swan, a 42-year-old man from Bradford Road, Stockbridge, who was convicted of attempting to lure a 14-year-old boy into engaging in sexual activities. The incident came to light after Swan believed he was communicating with a minor named Dylan on the Grindr dating platform, but in reality, he was speaking with an undercover police officer working under Operation Reveal.

During the court proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Swan had pleaded guilty to three separate charges related to his attempts to incite a young boy into sexual acts. The prosecutor, David McGonigal, explained that the police officer had posed as Dylan, claiming to be from the Baildon area and explicitly stating that he was only 14 years old. The officer made it clear that he was an underage user and requested Swan not to get him banned from Grindr, which Swan acknowledged.

According to the evidence presented, Swan and the undercover officer exchanged messages where Swan disclosed that he had never engaged in full sexual intercourse and sent explicit photographs of his genitals. Swan expressed a desire to meet the boy in person, stating he was feeling 'horny' and wanted to take him to bed for sex. The officer, pretending to be Dylan, claimed to be on a bus heading to Swan’s home, expressing nervousness about the upcoming encounter. Despite this, Swan encouraged him, saying, “Come on mate, I’m horny as hell.”

Authorities responded swiftly once Swan’s intentions became clear. Police officers visited his residence to arrest him and confiscate his phone. During questioning, Swan claimed he was bored and admitted that he would have 'blocked' the boy had he actually arrived at his home. It was also disclosed that Swan had a troubling criminal history involving sexual offenses against minors. When he was just 14, Swan was convicted of abusing a ten-year-old boy in woodland, receiving a three-year prison sentence.

Further details revealed that Swan had previously served a five-year sentence for attempting to rape a 19-year-old male and sexually assaulting him at a house party when he was 31. During that incident, Swan forcibly detained the young man in a bathroom, attempted to initiate sex, and when refused, tried to rape him. The victim was injured, and blood was found on the bathroom floor, highlighting the severity of Swan’s past offenses.

Judge Jonathan Rose condemned Swan’s actions, describing his behavior as “reprehensible and wicked.” The judge emphasized that Swan’s prior convictions had not deterred him from engaging in further criminal activity. He pointed out that Swan had sent explicit images of his genitals to what he believed was a 14-year-old boy and had tried to lure him to his home for sex. The judge also addressed Swan’s denial of having a sexual interest in children during a probation interview, stating, “You need to accept that you are a paedophile with a sexual interest in young boys.”

In light of the seriousness of his offenses, Judge Rose warned Swan that he could face a life sentence or an extended prison term if he committed similar crimes in the future, underscoring the ongoing threat Swan posed to the community.