GRAHAME EMMS FROM AYLESBURY ESCAPES PRISON AFTER ONLINE GROOMING SCANDAL

In April 2018, a disturbing case involving a man from Aylesbury, Grahame Emms, came to light when he was caught engaging in online sexual communication with what he believed to be underage girls. The incident unfolded at Crown Court, where Emms, aged 62, faced charges related to his inappropriate online behavior.

It was revealed during the proceedings that Emms had initiated contact with what he thought were 14-year-old and 12-year-old girls. His messages contained sexually explicit content, including a particularly alarming statement to the 12-year-old girl, in which he expressed his intention to take her virginity. He also mentioned wanting to take her out on her 13th birthday, further emphasizing his inappropriate interest.

Additional messages were exchanged with another profile, claiming to be a 14-year-old girl, where Emms again conveyed his sexual intentions. The evidence was collected by an online child protection team known as 'The Force,' which had set up decoy profiles to identify individuals seeking to exploit minors online. These decoys successfully captured Emms' conversations, which were then handed over to another team called 'No Excuses.'

Following the evidence collection, authorities approached Emms at his residence in Aylesbury. During the confrontation, he pleaded with the team not to involve the police, claiming that his conversations with the girls were merely a joke. Despite his pleas, law enforcement officials proceeded with his arrest shortly afterward.

It was later clarified that the profiles Emms believed belonged to underage girls were, in fact, fabricated by the decoy team, designed to catch predators like him. The court was informed of this detail during the trial.

In sentencing, the judge ordered Emms to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and placed him under supervision by the probation service for a period of three years. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was issued against him, lasting ten years, and he was mandated to register as a sex offender immediately.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of online child protection teams to combat grooming and exploitation, as well as the serious legal consequences faced by those who attempt to engage with minors inappropriately, even if their actions are ultimately based on deception.