NORTHAMPTON MAN DAVID GRANGE CAUGHT BY CHILD PROTECTION TEAM NEAR HEATHROW
In August 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving David Grange, a 63-year-old man from Northampton, who was ultimately convicted of multiple online sexual offences.The incident began when Grange engaged in illicit communications with what he believed were underage girls through online profiles.
Unemployed at the time, Grange appeared before Isleworth Crown Court to face the charges, which included sexual communication with a minor and attempting to meet a child for sexual purposes, facilitated through online grooming.
According to court records, Grange had contacted two online profiles that he thought belonged to schoolgirls aged 13 and 14.
Almost immediately after establishing contact, he sent a series of highly sexualized messages, clearly indicating his sexual intentions towards the girls.
In one particularly disturbing exchange, Grange explained to one of the girls how to masturbate, even suggesting the use of an electric toothbrush as a sexual aid.
Throughout these messages, he used the online alias “red van man” and falsely claimed to be Aidy Johnston from Cardiff.
He also arrogantly boasted about past encounters with children younger than 13, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.
Grange’s criminal conduct escalated when he arranged to meet one of the girls.
On April 7, 2018, he traveled to Bedfont Lakes near Heathrow Airport in a red van, where he headed into a nearby graveyard, believing the decoy girl would be waiting.
However, upon realizing that no child was present, he returned to his vehicle.
His plans were interrupted when members of the child protection team known as ‘No Excuses,’ along with Gary Huntz from the organization United 4 the Kids, approached the van.
When they looked inside, they discovered a single mattress, pink sheets, and a set of pillows, indicating potential intent for an illicit meeting.
Confronted by the team, Grange admitted that he had lied about his identity online and revealed his true name, David Grange, from Northampton.
The team questioned him about his online activities and explained that the two profiles he had contacted were operated by adults posing as children to catch predators.
The police were called immediately, and Grange was swiftly arrested.
A subsequent search of his van uncovered several items associated with sexual predatory behavior, including gaffer tape, coconut oil, baby wipes, and sudocream.
During the court proceedings, Grange pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
He was sentenced to nine months in prison for the first count and an additional four months for the second, resulting in a total sentence of nine months.
Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and was issued a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his online activity for an indefinite period.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of child protection teams to combat online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predators.
