DAVID NICHOLSON FROM HAVERHILL AND BOLTON CAUGHT TRYING TO GROOM 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, David Nicholson, a man originally from Haverhill, was sentenced to prison after attempting to engage in sexual activity with a girl he believed was just 13 years old. The incident unfolded when Nicholson traveled from Suffolk to Bolton, a significant distance, with the apparent intent of meeting the young girl he had been communicating with through an internet chatroom.

Unbeknownst to Nicholson, the girl he was trying to meet was actually a police officer posing as a teenage girl, part of an undercover operation designed to catch predators attempting to exploit minors online. The police had set up the sting at Bolton Links Golf Club, where Nicholson was apprehended on August 23. During the arrest, officers discovered that Nicholson's van contained a mattress, suggesting he was prepared for an overnight stay or an encounter.

At Bolton Crown Court, it was revealed that Nicholson, aged 55, had a troubling history of similar offenses. Despite claiming he had no interest in young girls, the court was informed of his previous convictions for internet grooming. In 2002, Nicholson was sentenced to four years in prison after he met a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old for sexual activity, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

The court heard that Nicholson had pursued the girl, referred to as “Sam,” for a period of 23 days. During this time, he exchanged numerous messages with her, many of which contained sexual content. He also sent an explicit video and an obscene image, further demonstrating his intent to exploit the minor.

Judge Peter Davies described Nicholson’s actions as a deliberate attempt to target a 13-year-old for sexual intercourse. The judge emphasized the persistence of Nicholson’s efforts over nearly a month and noted that he traveled a considerable distance to meet his intended victim.

It was also revealed that Nicholson’s interest in young girls tends to surface during times of stress or when he is not in a stable relationship. After serving time in prison, he was released in 2004 and remained on license until 2010. This incident marks his first offense since then.

David Nicholson, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges including attempting to meet a girl under 16 for sexual activity, attempting to cause her to watch a sexual video, and sending obscene messages. The court sentenced him to four years in prison, with an extended license period upon his release, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision.