DANIEL HARRISON FROM SCUNTHORPE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL

In December 2015, a disturbing case emerged involving Daniel Harrison, a 34-year-old man from Dovedale Road in Scunthorpe, who was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior towards a young girl under the age of 16. The court heard that Harrison used manipulative tactics to lure the girl, offering her cigarettes as a form of bribery to gain her trust and cooperation.

According to the prosecution, Andrew Stranex, Harrison had obtained the girl’s mobile phone number and initiated contact through the messaging platform WhatsApp. The messages exchanged between them soon took on an unsettling tone, with the girl describing the conversations as becoming increasingly unusual. It was evident from the messages that Harrison was providing or offering cigarettes to the girl, which he used as a means of control and influence.

Prosecutors revealed that Harrison expressed romantic feelings towards the girl, telling her that he loved her. He also asked her to send explicit photographs of herself. Although she initially refused, she eventually agreed after Harrison promised her money, a detail that underscored his manipulative approach. The court was told that Harrison’s actions extended beyond messaging; he gave the girl a lift in his car, during which he placed his hand on her knee. The girl pushed him away, but Harrison then touched her again in the groin area. When she attempted to exit the vehicle, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, but Harrison persisted, asking for a proper kiss and pulling her toward him.

During police interviews, Harrison claimed that the girl was blackmailing him, a statement that the court considered as part of his inconsistent responses. The court also noted that Harrison had been interviewed four times, indicating ongoing police interest in his case.

Jessica Strange, representing Harrison, expressed her client’s remorse, stating that he “very much regretted his actions” and was “thoroughly ashamed.” She emphasized that Harrison was committed to ensuring he would never repeat such behavior.

Judge David Tremberg delivered the sentence, describing Harrison’s conduct as grooming the young girl by bribing her with cigarettes and promising money. As part of his punishment, Harrison was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and sentenced to a community order that includes participation in a three-year sex offenders’ treatment program, aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses.