CHANTELLE GOATLEY FROM NEWBURY SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEEN BOYS WITH VODKA AND WEED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Newbury, Berkshire, a 36-year-old woman named Chantelle Goatley has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in grooming underage boys through the use of alcohol and cannabis. The incident, which took place between January and April of the previous year, involved Goatley inviting teenage boys to her residence under the pretense of socializing, only to exploit their vulnerability for her own illicit purposes.

Goatley's actions came to light during a trial at Reading Crown Court, where she faced multiple charges related to sex and drugs offenses. She was convicted on three counts out of five, including allowing her home to be used for smoking cannabis, attempting to commit a sexual offense, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Despite her claims that the allegations made by the two boys, aged 14 and 15 at the time, were false, the jury found her guilty of the more serious charges.

The court heard evidence of her online communications with one of the boys, where she sent a Facebook message stating, 'Vodka, weed, me. What more could you ask for?' and shortly afterward added, 'You’ve got 18 bottles of Stella and loads of weed to have. xx.' These messages highlighted her intent to lure the boys into her home with promises of alcohol and drugs. Prosecutor Matthew Walsh emphasized that Goatley's residence had become a hub for underage drinking and drug use, facilitated by her purchase and provision of alcohol and cannabis.

Furthermore, the prosecution argued that her motives extended beyond mere provision of substances. They described her actions as grooming, designed to manipulate the boys when they were intoxicated or under the influence of cannabis, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. The court was told that Goatley took advantage of their impaired state to engage in sexual activities, although she was acquitted of actual sexual assault charges involving penetration or performing sex acts.

Judge Johannah Cutts QC sentenced Goatley to four years in prison for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. She also received an 18-month sentence, to run concurrently, for attempting to commit a sexual offense, and an additional six months for allowing cannabis to be smoked in her home. As part of her sentence, she will be required to register as a sex offender and remain under supervision. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the exploitation of vulnerable youth within the community of Newbury, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventative measures.