GEORGE HUNTER FROM CRAIGAVON JAILED FOR GROOMING 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DISTURBING CASE

In August 2018, a disturbing case unfolded at Craigavon Magistrates Court involving George Hunter, a 46-year-old man from Moyraverty Court, Craigavon. Hunter was found guilty of attempting to groom an 11-year-old girl through a series of text messages, a crime that has shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers of online predation.

Hunter was sentenced to four months in prison for his actions. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his contact with minors. As part of the court's ruling, Hunter was also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which explicitly prohibits him from approaching any individual under the age of 18. This order aims to prevent any future attempts at grooming or similar misconduct.

The case came to light after Hunter admitted to the charges during a previous court hearing. The allegations stemmed from a period between December 13, 2015, and December 18, 2015, during which Hunter attempted to communicate with a person under 16 years of age for the purpose of sexual gratification. The court was told that the initial contact appeared harmless, involving casual chatting, but it quickly escalated into more serious and inappropriate discussions about touching the girl’s chest and other sexual topics.

Further details emerged when the mother of the 11-year-old girl discovered the incriminating text messages on her daughter’s phone. She found that the messages initially seemed benign but soon turned into explicit conversations. The texts included disturbing references to touching and sexual contact, prompting the mother to report the matter to the police.

During police interviews, Hunter was fully cooperative and admitted that his behaviour was inappropriate. He expressed remorse and stated that he was disgusted with himself for his actions. His legal representative highlighted that Hunter felt a significant sense of shame and explained that he had not been in court the previous week because he had taken an overdose and was hospitalized. The defence also noted that Hunter had no recent contact with the girl and that he had a prior criminal record dating back 32 years, which included relevant offences.

District Judge Mrs Bernie Kelly addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the case. She remarked that the incident involved the denigration of females and that such grooming through text messages—concealed as innocent or secretive—was a very serious matter. Judge Kelly expressed her surprise that the case was being heard in a magistrates’ court, noting that such offences are typically reserved for the Crown Court due to their severity.

She acknowledged Hunter’s guilty plea, which spared the young girl and her mother from having to give evidence in court. However, she made it clear that the behaviour was unacceptable and sent a strong message that this type of misconduct would not be tolerated in society. The judge pointed out that the initial contact was made during a period of alcohol-fuelled impulsiveness but regrettably continued into sobriety, becoming increasingly sexualized over time.

Judge Kelly concluded by stating that the case was unprecedented in her experience at the magistrates’ level and underscored the importance of deterring such behaviour. She emphasized that the message must be clear: grooming minors through digital communication is a serious offence that warrants strict punishment and vigilant monitoring to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.