FRANCIS MOWDAY FROM MANBY SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN LINCOLN

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Manby, Lincolnshire, a man named Francis Mowday has been handed a significant prison sentence after a series of disturbing online crimes involving underage girls. The incident came to light in May 2017 when a relative of one of the victims discovered indecent images on her mobile device, prompting an immediate police investigation.

Authorities swiftly responded by visiting Mowday’s residence in Carlton Park, Manby, where they arrested him and seized multiple electronic devices, including a laptop and several mobile phones. These devices were later examined, revealing a troubling collection of images and conversations. Evidence uncovered during the investigation showed that Mowday had created a fictitious online persona, complete with a fake photograph, to deceive young girls into believing he was under 18. This deception was part of his broader effort to solicit explicit images from minors across the UK.

Throughout the online exchanges, at least one victim explicitly informed Mowday that she was underage, yet he continued his predatory behavior. It is important to note that there was no physical contact between Mowday and the victims; his crimes were committed solely through digital means. The police investigation confirmed that Mowday had caused significant harm through his actions, which included encouraging children to engage in sexual activities and making numerous indecent images.

Prior to his sentencing, Mowday, of Carlton Park, Manby, had already admitted to multiple charges. These included five counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual communication with a child, and three counts of making a total of 459 indecent images of a child. His guilty plea was entered during an earlier court hearing, setting the stage for his sentencing.

On December 10, at Lincoln Crown Court, Mowday was sentenced to a total of three years and eight months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a sexual harm prevention order that remains in effect until further notice. The detailed sentencing included:

• Three years and eight months for causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity;

• Sixteen months concurrent for causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity;

• Two years concurrent for causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity;

• Three years and eight months concurrent for causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity;

• Sixteen months concurrent for causing a child to engage in sexual activity;

• Eight months concurrent for sexual communication with a child;

• Eight months concurrent for making indecent photographs;

• Four months concurrent for additional indecent photographs;

• One month concurrent for further indecent images.

Detective Constable Wayne Pilkington commented on the case, emphasizing the manipulative tactics used by Mowday: “Mowday made up a profile and pretended to be someone completely different to trick young girls into sending him images. He has been jailed for these crimes, all committed on his laptop and mobile phone. Young victims have been exploited by a man who did not care for their age or vulnerability.”

This case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation in digital spaces.