DANE GUPPY FROM TAVISTOCK ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PRETENDING TO BE 18 TO MEET UNDERAGE GIRLS IN PLYMOUTH

In September 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Dane Guppy, a 26-year-old man from Tavistock, who engaged in inappropriate and illegal interactions with two underage girls he met through Facebook. The Plymouth Crown Court heard that Guppy deliberately used a false identity, claiming to be an 18-year-old named Billy James, in order to communicate with and meet two girls aged 13 and 14. His actions raised serious concerns about online safety and the exploitation of minors.

Guppy’s motives appeared to be more than just personal gratification; court proceedings revealed that he was involved in selling contraband tobacco, including to minors, through his Facebook account. The court was informed that Guppy’s conversations with the victims became sexual in nature, leading to him arranging meetings with both girls. During these encounters, he engaged in sexual activity with one girl and shared kisses and hugs with the other, who also touched him indecently over his clothing. The court heard that one of the girls was left crying and distressed after Guppy made sexual advances towards her in his car.

Prosecutor Garth Richardson explained that Guppy’s Facebook profile was used primarily for selling illegal tobacco, which he admitted included sales to individuals under 16. He added that Guppy’s interactions with the victims escalated to sexual conversations, culminating in arranged meetings. The court was shown evidence of Guppy’s deception, as he lied about his age and identity to gain the trust of the underage girls.

Guppy’s defense attorney, Ali Rafati, argued that his client’s primary intent was to sell contraband tobacco and not to seduce underage girls. Rafati acknowledged Guppy’s immaturity and mentioned that he has two children from different women. He emphasized that Guppy is someone who needs help and suggested that he would not qualify for sex offender treatment unless he served a six-year prison sentence.

Despite the serious nature of the offenses, Judge Ian Lawrie decided to suspend Guppy’s prison sentence. He sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a requirement for 30 days of supervision with probation to address issues related to internet-based sexual offending. Additionally, Guppy was ordered to pay £750 towards prosecution costs and a £100 victim surcharge. As part of his sentence, he is also required to sign the Sex Offender Register for ten years, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the potential risk to the community.