DARREN SAUNDERS FROM TRURO SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR GROOMING TEEN GIRL ON FACEBOOK

In December 2011, a man from Truro named Darren Saunders was sentenced to a year in prison after engaging in a disturbing case of online grooming and sexual misconduct involving a teenage girl. The incident came to light during a court hearing at Truro Crown Court, where it was revealed that Saunders, aged 23, had initiated inappropriate communications with a 13-year-old girl through the social media platform Facebook.

According to court proceedings, the conversations between Saunders and the young girl became increasingly sexual in nature. The girl, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, reportedly invited Saunders into her home and her bedroom, which facilitated their physical encounter. The court heard that the exchanges were mutual, with the girl herself extending the invitation, despite her young age.

Prosecutor Iain Leadbetter pointed out that investigations uncovered the girl had previously been involved in intimate relationships with two other boys. This context added to the seriousness of the case, highlighting the vulnerability of the young victim.

Defense lawyer Maurice Champion acknowledged the nature of the online interactions but emphasized that Saunders, who had no prior criminal record, admitted to the allegations of grooming, sexual penetration, and intercourse at the earliest opportunity. The court was told that Saunders had been held in custody for 132 days prior to sentencing.

Judge John Neligan expressed his view that the evidence demonstrated the exchanges were consensual and that the girl had actively invited Saunders into her home while her parents were away for the day. Based on these findings, Saunders was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the potential risk to the community.

Saunders, who resides at Lander Court in Truro, now faces the consequences of his actions, which have shocked the local community and raised concerns about online safety and the protection of minors.