OLDHAM PERVERT DANIEL CROSTON SENT TO PRISON FOR GROOMING AND BLACKMAIL IN BLACKPOOL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Daniel Croston, a 32-year-old man from Oldham, was convicted and sentenced for grooming a teenage girl and engaging in blackmail. The incident unfolded after Croston, who was residing in Oldham at the time, initiated contact with his young victim through an internet chat room in May 2007. The chat took place on en.netlog, where the predator and the girl exchanged contact details, including mobile phone numbers, leading to a series of troubling exchanges.

During their online interactions, Croston falsely claimed to be 19 years old, attempting to appear as a peer to the teenage girl. He then coerced her into sending explicit photographs of herself in her underwear, threatening to publish her mobile number on the internet if she refused. After she complied and sent the indecent image, Croston revealed his true age, which was 19, exposing his deception.

Despite this revelation, Croston continued his manipulative tactics by demanding a video of the girl in an explicit manner. When she refused, he escalated his threats, warning her that if she did not send the video by 9 pm on June 6, 2007, he would distribute her indecent photographs to every pervert and paedophile online, as well as to her school. The victim, overwhelmed and frightened, confided in her mother, who promptly contacted the police.

Law enforcement officials traced Croston through his mobile phone number to his residence in Oldham, where he was subsequently arrested. During a search of his property, authorities seized a mobile device containing over 60 indecent images. The evidence collected led to Croston’s conviction on multiple charges, including blackmail, causing or inciting a child into pornography, and possession of indecent images.

He was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to 32 months in prison. Additionally, Croston was ordered to register as a sex offender and was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to prevent further offenses. At an earlier hearing, Croston had pleaded guilty to all charges, including blackmail and possession of indecent images. The court also revealed that Croston used the online alias ‘2horni4u’ during his interactions.

Detective Constable Simon Hurdley commented on the case, describing Croston as a “calculating, manipulative and cowardly individual” who deliberately lied about his age to groom his victim. Hurdley emphasized the severity of Croston’s actions, stating, “He showed just what a disgusting human being he is by blackmailing his victim and threatening to send her images to other sex offenders if she did not comply with his heinous demands.” The officer further expressed concern over the lasting trauma inflicted on the young girl, noting that she believed she was engaging with someone of a similar age, only to be subjected to a traumatic ordeal.

Hurdley concluded by asserting that Croston’s incarceration was necessary to protect others from his predatory behavior, affirming that he no longer poses a threat to the community while behind bars.