PREDATOR JAILED FOR 6 YEARS AFTER POLICE CATCH GROOMER IN BLACKPOOL
A man has been charged with child abduction and grooming after being stopped by police in Lancashire.Officers stopped the driver of a vehicle which had a defective light and was showing as not having an MOT.During the checks, they became concerned for a teenage female passenger in the car.
The driver was stopped in Clifton Drive North, Blackpool.
Following further checks, a 33-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent was arrested.
Ben Bryan, 33, of Bank Road, Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with child abduction and grooming.He has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Lancaster Magistrates' Court in due course.
UPDATE 02/08/2025 BLACKPOOL – A dangerous predator, Ben Bryan, has been jailed after police officers, initially stopping him for a defective light and no MOT, uncovered a shocking child grooming case.
Bryan, 34, of Ash Bank Road, Stoke-on-Trent, had been exchanging messages with a 14-year-old girl on Roblox and Snapchat, despite knowing her age.
He told her he loved her and arranged to meet.
On October 20th last year, Blackpool officers stopped Bryan's vehicle on Clifton Drive North.
Their concerns for the girl in the passenger seat quickly led to an investigation.
It was discovered that Bryan had been communicating with her for some time, indecently exposing himself and engaging in sexual activity in her presence.
He later claimed he only sought friendship but continued messaging after she revealed her age.
Bryan was arrested and, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, faced a string of charges including child grooming, child abduction, and multiple sexual offenses.
He pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
He will also be on the sex offenders register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
Police stated, "Bryan knew how young his victim was yet continued to groom her for his own perverted sexual desires." The victim has been commended for her "incredible level of strength and bravery" throughout the investigation.
Authorities hope she can now begin to move forward, knowing Bryan is behind bars.
If you recognise the signs of grooming or a sexual offence happening to you or someone you know, please know that the police will listen, investigate thoroughly, and work to get you justice.
