DAVID FLAVELL AND SHOCKING GROOMING INCIDENT IN CORNWALL AND BIRMINGHAM
A man from Cornwall with a disturbing history involving sexual offenses against minors attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl in Birmingham but was intercepted before his plans could be carried out.David Flavell, aged 39, traveled from his home in St Austell to Birmingham’s Snow Hill train station with the apparent intention of meeting what he believed was a young girl he had been communicating with online.
Instead, he was confronted by police officers at the station while the girl was accompanied by her mother.
Flavell, who appeared before Truro Crown Court via video link from prison, had previously pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
His appearance in court was for sentencing after he was caught in the act of attempting to meet the girl, which constituted a significant violation of the restrictions placed upon him.
The court proceedings revealed that Flavell has a criminal background that includes a period of incarceration.
In 2017, he was sentenced to seven years in prison following convictions related to indecent assault and the distribution of indecent images involving minors.
During that earlier trial, it was established that Flavell had taken explicit photographs of two young girls, some dressed in school uniforms, and shared these images online.
These included photos of girls in showers, baths, and involved in sexual acts, further illustrating his history of preying on children.
In the recent incident, which occurred in April and May of the previous year, the prosecution outlined how Flavell, who had been released early on licence, engaged with a 13-year-old girl through an online platform called Rail Cam UK.
Prosecuting barrister Victoria Bastock explained that a moderator of the website detected Flavell initiating conversations with the minor, who was using a pseudonym to avoid detection.
Flavell attempted to comfort the girl when she disclosed she was being bullied, offering her support, complimenting her appearance, and expressing love for her, even referring to her as his 'little sister.' Despite the girl identifying her age, Flavell persisted in promising to send her money and to support her.
Concerned by the nature of the exchanges, the moderator contacted the police.
When officers intervened, Flavell quickly moved their conversation onto another website.
It was on this second platform that plans to meet in person were arranged.
Flavell traveled all the way from Cornwall to Birmingham, only to discover that the girl was under police supervision and was with her mother.
As he attempted to flee the scene, police officers arrested him on the spot.
During police interviews, Flavell stated that his intentions were motivated by a desire to prevent the girl from being bullied and to show her that life could be different.
He claimed that he was not willing to allow her to be victimized and wanted to meet her to help her realize her worth.
He admitted he understood his actions were wrong but insisted his motives were 'good.' Representing Flavell in court, solicitor Philippa Harper emphasized that her client had made full and frank admissions and acknowledged breaching the sexual harm prevention order.
She argued that much of their online interaction revolved around a shared interest in trains, and no sexual images had been exchanged.
According to Harper, Flavell joined the website out of genuine interest, not to seek children to exploit.
She also highlighted his remorse, noting that the majority of conversations involved the girl discussing her experiences of being bullied and that Flavell wanted to reform.
Harper further stated that Flavell was employed with an industrial cleaning company upon release and expressed a desire to turn his life around.
She emphasized his desire to apologize sincerely and his commitment to changing his ways.
The sentencing judge, Recorder Mathew Turner, pointed out the seriousness of Flavell’s actions.
He noted that Flavell had traveled a significant distance from Cornwall to Birmingham, which underscored the deliberate nature of the grooming.
The judge described the case as involving a clear case of grooming a vulnerable child and remarked that Flavell's breach of the court order was a serious and deliberate violation.
The court sentenced Flavell to 14 months in prison.
However, Recorder Turner clarified that this new sentence would not impact his existing recall date, which is set for August next year based on his earlier incarceration.
Flavell’s criminal record remains a stark reminder of his past offenses and ongoing risks posed by such behavior.
