GLEN PIMBOROUGH FROM LEIGH SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF TEEN GIRL IN WEST MIDLANDS

In January 2015, a disturbing case of online grooming came to light involving a man from Leigh, who exploited the anonymity of the internet to prey on a vulnerable teenage girl from the West Midlands. The perpetrator, identified as 52-year-old Glen Pimborough, was convicted and subsequently sentenced to serve time in prison for his actions.

Glen Pimborough, residing on Chinnor Close in Leigh, engaged in a deceitful online relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Over a period exceeding five months, Pimborough pretended to be a 17-year-old boy, establishing a false identity to gain the trust of his young victim. His manipulative tactics included sending explicit videos of himself masturbating, which he justified by claiming he had acne and did not want to show his face. These videos only revealed his lower torso, further emphasizing his attempt to conceal his true identity while still engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The case was brought before Liverpool Crown Court, where Pimborough pleaded guilty to seven counts related to his grooming activities. On January 9, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison. His convictions included two counts of causing and inciting a female child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, as well as three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. These charges highlight the severity of his misconduct and the danger posed to minors in the digital age.

Detective Constable Jennifer Reeve commented on the case, emphasizing the dangers of online interactions. She stated, “This horrific crime goes to show that you never really know who you are talking to online. This child fully believed that she was having an age-appropriate relationship with a teenage boy for 5 months.” Her words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and vigilance.

Authorities have taken measures to prevent future offenses by imposing a sexual offences prevention order on Pimborough for a period of ten years. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm. The case underscores the critical need for awareness and education about the risks associated with online interactions, especially for young people and their guardians.