GEORGE DENNIS SENTENCED IN HUNSTANTON FOR GROOMING POLICE OFFICER POSED AS SCHOOLGIRL

In March 2008, a disturbing case unfolded involving Geoffrey Dennis, a 47-year-old company director from York Avenue, Hunstanton, Norfolk. Dennis was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual activities with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer posing as a schoolgirl.

According to court records, Dennis had been actively sending lewd texts and emails to what he thought was a teenage girl, with the intent of meeting her for sexual purposes. Unbeknownst to him, the individual he was communicating with was an officer from Scotland Yard’s Paedophile Unit, who had set up the sting to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

The court heard that Dennis’s actions included persistent attempts to arrange a physical meeting, which he believed would occur in South London. It was only when police officers waited for him in a park that he realized he had been deceived. The police had been monitoring his online activity for some time, tracing his communications back to him.

Further background revealed that Dennis’s criminal behavior was not isolated. Five years prior, in 2003, he had contacted a real 12-year-old girl through an internet chatroom and convinced her to meet him at a location in Norfolk. The girl arrived with a friend, and when Dennis attempted to persuade them into his car, they fled the scene. Although this incident did not result in a conviction, it was noted that Dennis had previously been warned about similar conduct.

Prosecutor Linda Shamel emphasized that Dennis’s prior warning in 2003 indicated a pattern of concerning behavior. Despite having no formal convictions, the police had identified him as a repeat offender with a history of inappropriate contact with minors.

At Southwark Crown Court, Judge Gregory Stone, QC, sentenced Dennis to an indefinite term of imprisonment. The judge stated that the minimum term before Dennis could be considered for parole would be nine months. However, taking into account the 161 days Dennis had already spent on remand, he could potentially be released in as little as four months.

Judge Stone expressed grave concern over Dennis’s past conduct, particularly referencing the Norfolk incident from 2003. He highlighted that Dennis had been formally warned by police for contacting a 12-year-old girl online and then attempting to meet her in person. The judge concluded that Dennis’s actions demonstrated a significant risk of causing serious harm to young girls, warranting a sentence of imprisonment for public protection.