GEORGE WANLESS FROM CARNFORTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PREDATORY BEHAVIOR TOWARD TEENAGE GIRLS IN PRESTON

In a recent case that has shocked the local community, Geoffrey Wanless, a 65-year-old resident of Carnforth, appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court in July 2023 to face serious allegations involving inappropriate communications with minors. Wanless was charged after he engaged in a series of disturbing online exchanges with individuals he believed to be 13-year-old girls, though in reality, he was communicating with members of a paedophile hunting group posing as young teenagers.

According to the court proceedings, Wanless had sent messages to what he thought were two different young girls during March of this year. Prosecutor Graeme Tindall detailed that Wanless, who resides on Highfield Road in Carnforth, made inappropriate comments to one of the girls, describing her as “sexy” and requesting her to send photographs of her underwear, specifically her “panties.” The prosecutor further revealed that Wanless explicitly offered to take her virginity, a statement that underscores the predatory nature of his intentions.

In the second instance, also occurring in March, Wanless contacted another individual, referring to her as a “baby” and discussing making love to her. The prosecutor emphasized that Wanless again offered to take her virginity, highlighting a pattern of concerning behavior.

When Wanless was apprehended by law enforcement authorities, he chose not to make any comments during police interviews. Despite this, he pleaded guilty to the two charges during a previous court appearance, acknowledging the gravity of his actions.

In sentencing, District Judge Richard Thompson imposed a sentence of four months for each offence, with the sentences to run consecutively. However, the judge suspended the entire sentence for two years, meaning Wanless will not serve time in prison unless he commits further offences within that period. Additionally, Wanless is required to undertake 30 sessions of rehabilitation activities under the supervision of the Probation Service. He is also ordered to pay costs amounting to £85, along with a victim surcharge of £154.

Furthermore, Wanless will be subject to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and access to minors, aiming to prevent any future offending behavior. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat online predatory behavior and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.