DARREN MEDLAND FROM BARNSTAPLE SENTENCED FOR INTERNET GROOMING OF TEEN GIRL IN EXETER

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Barnstaple, Darren Medland, a 40-year-old man, was sentenced to prison after attempting to groom a 15-year-old girl via online communications. The incident, which took place in early 2010, culminated in Medland being convicted at Exeter Crown Court, highlighting the dangers of social networking sites and the importance of online safety for teenagers.

Medland, residing on Tuly Street in Barnstaple, faced a jury that unanimously found him guilty of trying to meet a girl under the age of 16 with the intent to commit a sexual offence. Despite his denial, the evidence presented during the trial painted a disturbing picture of his online interactions with the young girl. The court heard that Medland had exchanged several messages with the teenager in March of the previous year, after having met her briefly in person before.

One of the messages revealed Medland’s inappropriate intentions, where he wrote, “I asked for your number because I think you’re very beautiful xxx. Love to have some fun!!! What do you say? Oh and don’t tell anyone.” Another message showed his awareness of her age, as he asked her when her birthday was, indicating a calculated effort to establish a connection despite knowing her young age. In a further message, Medland expressed his feelings, stating, “Look, I find you attractive. When you came in the shop, my heartbeat went mad. It was either a heart attack or something opened the door within. I would like it if you painted my life with a bit of your colour.”

Throughout the proceedings, Medland maintained that the messages were innocent and friendly, claiming there was no sexual intent. However, the court was not convinced, especially given the context and content of the messages, which clearly suggested otherwise. The case also brought to light Medland’s prior history, including a caution for having sex with another 15-year-old girl in an unrelated incident back in 2002. He was subsequently placed on the Sex Offender Register but later breached this requirement by failing to inform police of a change of address.

Judge Paul Derbyshire, presiding over the case, emphasized the role of social networking sites in modern life but warned of their potential for misuse. He stated, “Social networking sites are very much a part of modern life. They are an easy and enjoyable way of staying in touch with friends but these sites can be abused. The warning must be to only invite those you know and trust onto these sites.”

In sentencing Medland, the judge ordered him to serve 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offender Register for a period of ten years and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for five years or until further notice. The court acknowledged Medland’s efforts to turn his life around, noting that he had a stable job with management prospects, good accommodation, and was undergoing psychotherapy. His defense lawyer, Richard Crabb, described Medland as emotionally fragile, suggesting that his online activity was driven by loneliness and a desire for connection.

Judge Leeming commended the young girl for her bravery in alerting others about Medland’s messages. He remarked, “The fact you didn’t meet with her is no credit to you. She very sensibly felt awkward about the messages and told others. You maintain these messages were innocent but nobody who read these messages from a 40-year-old to a 15-year-old would read into them anything other than sexual intent.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when engaging with social media platforms, especially for young users, and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.