AUSTIN KITCHEN GROOMS TEEN GIRLS IN HORWICH AND BOLTON: SHOCKING SEXUAL CHAT AND GIFTS SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Austin Kitchen, the managing director of Velden Engineering based in Bolton, has been found guilty of grooming underage girls through social media platforms. The offences, which took place over a period of time, involved Kitchen engaging in inappropriate sexual communications with two girls aged 14 and 15, both of whom he targeted while residing in Horwich and Bolton.

According to court proceedings, Kitchen, 36 years old, used social media to establish contact with the young girls, showering them with gifts and making explicit sexual advances. He sent them presents such as Pandora earrings, Domino’s pizza, and even an electronic cigarette, all while engaging in sexually charged conversations. The court heard that Kitchen showed photographs of his luxury cars, including a Tesla and a BMW, to the girls, attempting to impress and entice them further.

The case was brought to light after a 15-year-old girl’s father discovered messages between his daughter and Kitchen on Snapchat. Prosecutor Joe Boyd explained that in April 2017, Kitchen, who was then using the alias Austin Deluson and claiming to be 25 years old, initiated daily contact with the girl. He complimented her, asked her to send a photograph of herself in her school uniform, and told her she looked “really hot.” Despite her age, Kitchen persisted, telling her he wanted to sleep with her and even suggesting he wanted to “throw her on the bed.”

Kitchen’s persistent messaging included promises of gifts, which he fulfilled by purchasing items such as a North Face coat, leggings, and an electronic cigarette. When the girl asked what he wanted in return, he explicitly stated that he wanted to sleep with her. The court was told that the pair met on two occasions, but both times, the girl was accompanied by a friend, preventing any opportunity for privacy or further contact.

Further investigation revealed that Kitchen was also communicating with another girl, aged 14, in Hampshire. Police traced his phone number and discovered he had sent her a Domino’s pizza and asked for cheeky pictures in exchange for a jumper she wanted. Additionally, officers found evidence of contact with yet another 14-year-old girl, to whom he sent Pandora earrings and engaged in sexual chat.

The court heard that the psychological impact on the victims was severe, with at least one girl turning to self-harm as a result of Kitchen’s actions. Police also uncovered a pornographic video of a girl aged between 15 and 17 on Kitchen’s iPhone, which he had downloaded, further illustrating his inappropriate behavior.

During the hearing, Steven Swift, defending Kitchen, emphasized that he had no previous convictions and had not committed any further crimes in the past two and a half years. However, the pre-sentence report revealed that Kitchen still refused to accept that his behavior was sexual in nature and was aware he was communicating with young girls from the outset.

Judge Richard Gioserano addressed the court, condemning Kitchen’s grooming behavior, which involved the use of gifts and false promises to manipulate the girls. The judge highlighted the significant age disparity and the fact that Kitchen lied about his true age. Although the offenses did not involve physical sexual activity, the court recognized the potential harm and the emotional damage inflicted on the victims.

Kitchen, a father of two, was described as a hardworking family man whose friends and family would never have suspected his involvement in such misconduct. The judge noted that Kitchen’s previous good character had been tarnished and that he had lost the respect of many in his community.

Sentencing, Judge Gioserano imposed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Kitchen was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, participate in a sex offender treatment program, and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order that restricted his internet access and contact with children. He was also ordered to pay £1,800 in prosecution costs.

The judge concluded by stating that Kitchen’s actions constituted grooming, which posed a significant risk of harm. He emphasized that the court’s decision aimed to protect the public while allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation in the community, given Kitchen’s otherwise positive background and lack of prior offenses.