DAVID HARDCASTLE FROM HUDDERSFIELD AVOIDS PRISON AFTER ONLINE GROOMING INCIDENT IN LEEDS
In February 2019, David Hardcastle of Huddersfield was caught in a sting operation after attempting to groom what he believed was a 14-year-old girl online.Hardcastle appeared at Leeds Crown Court, where he admitted charges of attempting to meet a child following grooming and engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
The court was informed that Hardcastle had made contact with an online profile he thought belonged to a 14-year-old girl, sending a series of sexually explicit messages and arranging to meet at a train station.
During their messaging, he requested that the girl wear no underwear.
When Hardcastle arrived at the station, he was met by members of a paedophile hunting team instead of the intended victim.
The team explained their role and questioned him about his online activity before calling the police.
Hardcastle was arrested at the scene.
The judge sentenced him to a 10-month prison term, which was suspended for two years.
Additionally, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.
He was also instructed to complete a 90-day rehabilitation course.
