ANTHONY BURNS CAUGHT IN WATFORD FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and exploitation, Anthony Burns, a 26-year-old man from Watford, was brought to justice after a series of alarming incidents involving a 14-year-old girl. The events unfolded in September 2010, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that culminated in Burns meeting the young girl in person and engaging in inappropriate conduct.

According to court reports, the teenage girl, who was only 14 at the time, had initially made contact with Burns through an internet chatroom. The communication began innocuously, with the girl believing she was talking to a peer or someone her own age. However, Burns, who claimed to be 22, gradually introduced a sexual tone into their conversations. The girl thought he might be a local boy from her neighborhood, which made her more comfortable to continue chatting.

By the following day, Burns had sent her a photograph of himself, further blurring the boundaries of their interaction. The situation escalated when, while she was outside playing with friends in Watford, she recognized Burns behind the wheel of a car that kept passing by her home. She quickly hid to avoid him, but the following night, Burns reinitiated contact through MSN Messenger, asking her to meet him outside her house.

At midnight, the girl, feeling vulnerable and perhaps pressured, left her home through a bedroom window to meet Burns. He was waiting in his car at the roadside. The two then drove a short distance before Burns got out of the vehicle, kissed her, and inappropriately touched her by putting his hand up her clothing. After this encounter, she returned home, distressed but unharmed physically.

Later that same night, Burns contacted her again via the internet, claiming to have taken a photograph of her bottom on his mobile phone. He threatened to distribute the image around her school if she refused to meet him again. This coercive behavior was part of a broader pattern of manipulation and exploitation. Police investigations revealed that Burns had also offered her money in exchange for sex, further demonstrating his predatory intent.

Authorities acted swiftly once alerted. Burns was arrested at his flat in Exeter Close, Watford. During the search, police discovered a collection of child sex abuse images stored on his computer. The evidence painted a disturbing picture of his online activities and intentions.

Prosecutor Peter Shaw outlined the timeline, noting that Burns first contacted the girl in July of the previous year through MSN, where he initially posed as a peer. As their conversations progressed, he introduced sexual content, and the girl, unaware of his true age, continued engaging with him. The court was told that Burns had sent her a photo of himself and that he had made explicit offers and threats, including the promise to share compromising images.

Defence lawyer Diane Pigot acknowledged her client’s remorse and his recognition of his problematic behavior. She stated that Burns had taken steps to address his issues and had since found a girlfriend. She emphasized that Burns had initially contacted the girl on a chat platform that required users to be 18 or older, and that he realized immediately upon meeting her that she was only 14. She described his subsequent messages as “appalling.”

Judge Stephen Warmer delivered a stern sentence, condemning Burns for exploiting a vulnerable young girl. The judge emphasized that Burns had deliberately sought out a minor for sexual purposes, using manipulative tactics and threats to coerce her. He highlighted the disturbing nature of the images found on Burns’ computer, which indicated a broader interest in underage girls.

Burns was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with his name to be added to the sex offenders register. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all illegal material found on his devices. Additionally, Burns was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children under 16. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.