CONNER LARBALESTIER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EXETER AND NEWTON ABBOT
In March 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Conner Larbalestier, a 21-year-old man whose actions have once again brought to light serious concerns about online safety and the protection of minors.The incident took place in the context of Larbalestier's recent release from incarceration, and it involved him engaging in predatory behavior targeting a nine-year-old girl through the popular online game Minecraft.
According to court reports, Larbalestier, who had only just been released from jail in September of the previous year, used his online profile to re-enter the gaming community.
Under the username 'connerdingo95', he joined a Minecraft game played by the young girl, who was only nine years old.
It was during this gaming session that Larbalestier initiated contact with her, immediately asking invasive questions about her attire and suggesting they continue their conversation late into the night, specifically after midnight.
The young girl, frightened and uncomfortable with the inappropriate nature of the messages, chose to shut down her game and confide in her older brother.
Her mother was promptly informed, leading to police involvement.
Authorities quickly identified Larbalestier as the individual responsible for the messages.
His actions constituted a clear breach of a court order that explicitly prohibited him from using the internet to contact minors.
Larbalestier was subsequently brought before Exeter Crown Court, where he received a nine-month prison sentence for breaching the terms of his court order.
Prosecutor Caroline Bolt detailed that Larbalestier had only recently been released from prison on September 9 of the previous year but had, by December, re-engaged in online activity.
Using his gaming profile, he began messaging the young girl, asking whether she was a boy or a girl, and inquiring if she was alone.
He further asked if she was wearing her school uniform and tights, and even instructed her to close her door, indicating a disturbing intent.
Despite his persistent attempts to continue the conversation, the girl wisely chose to end contact when she felt the messages were becoming inappropriate.
Her decision to cut off communication was praised by the judge, who commended her for acting sensibly in a distressing situation.
The girl’s brother also played a crucial role by deleting Larbalestier’s profile, and her mother’s prompt action in contacting the police was instrumental in addressing the incident.
Larbalestier’s criminal history is extensive.
In February 2016, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for inciting five young girls to engage in sexual activities.
During that period, he met and had sexual relations with two 14-year-olds and groomed three others aged 12, 13, and 14.
After serving his sentence, he was released in September 2016 but was later recalled to prison following this latest offense.
He admitted to breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which forbade him from contacting children under 16 via the internet.
Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC emphasized the seriousness of his breach, stating, “This has to stop.
It’s a very blatant breach.” The judge further warned Larbalestier that continued violations could lead to longer sentences, underscoring the importance of compliance with court orders designed to protect minors.
Larbalestier is currently serving a sentence until June, and he remains subject to a notification requirement for sex offenders for the next seven years, highlighting the ongoing legal measures aimed at safeguarding the community from his predatory behavior.
