DANIEL KINGHAN OF BARROW SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEEN IN CUMBRIA

In November 2007, a man from Barrow was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of grooming and engaging in sexual activities with a vulnerable teenage girl. Daniel Kinghan, aged 35, was found guilty of serious offenses involving a 15-year-old girl who was in the care of Social Services at the time.

Kinghan, residing on Aberdeen Street in Barrow, blatantly disregarded multiple warnings from authorities to stay away from the young girl. Despite these cautions, he persisted in maintaining an illicit relationship with her, which eventually led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. His actions drew public attention after the case was highlighted by the Evening Mail, during which he also made threats to bomb the offices of Abbey Road, leading to a 60-day jail sentence in February of the same year.

Following his release from custody, Kinghan continued his inappropriate relationship with the teenager, further compounding the severity of his misconduct. During a court hearing at Preston Crown Court, he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor and grooming her between September and December of the previous year. The prosecution, led by Miss Fiorella Brereton, presented evidence that the girl was in care and that Kinghan had formed a sexual relationship with her despite being warned about his conduct. Both the girl and Kinghan were instructed not to contact each other, yet mobile phone records revealed a series of intimate messages exchanged between them, indicating the closeness of their relationship.

Miss Brereton emphasized that the messages demonstrated a significant emotional connection, which was inappropriate given the girl’s age and circumstances. It was noted that Kinghan had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses, but his actions were nonetheless deemed serious.

Defense lawyer Mr. Fraser Livesey argued that the relationship was consensual and that the girl had not filed any complaints herself. He also highlighted that Kinghan was suffering from severe alcohol abuse at the time, which impaired his judgment and inhibitions. Mr. Livesey explained that Kinghan had been told his liver was badly damaged and that continued drinking could have severe health consequences. He expressed concern that Kinghan’s intoxication influenced his behavior and that he was now attempting to sober up.

Kinghan’s family, including his mother and grandmother, were deeply affected by the case. The defense noted his remorse and the impact the charges had on his loved ones, especially given the community’s excitable response to the case.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC addressed Kinghan directly, stating, “You were not deterred even from seeing her despite the intervention of the authorities.” The judge sentenced him to six years in prison, which was reduced by 10% to five years and five months due to his guilty plea. After accounting for time served on remand, his final sentence was 32 months and 15 days.

Additionally, Kinghan was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from working with individuals under 18 or communicating with minors via text, email, or the internet. The order explicitly exempts his own child from these restrictions.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Chris Bethell of the Public Protection Unit stated, “As a result of a protracted inquiry, Daniel Kinghan was sentenced today to six years imprisonment. He targeted a vulnerable child, groomed her, and engaged in a sexual relationship. He is a predator and poses a significant risk to the public.” Bethell reaffirmed the commitment of Cumbria Constabulary to protect vulnerable members of society and to work in partnership with other agencies to prevent such crimes. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses committed by Kinghan in Barrow and the surrounding area.