GRANT GRIFFITHS FROM DERBY CAUGHT IN ONLINE SEX OFFENCE SCANDAL
In a disturbing case that unfolded in Derby, Grant Griffiths, a 57-year-old man from Allestree, was caught engaging in illegal online activities targeting a minor.The incident came to light in February 2020 when an undercover police officer, posing as a teenage girl, successfully lured Griffiths into a series of inappropriate communications that revealed his predatory intentions.
According to court reports, Griffiths initiated contact with the undercover officer, who was operating under the alias “Kylie,” through a popular free chat platform called Chatiw.
The communication began on June 25, 2019, and from the outset, the officer made it clear that she was only 13 years old.
Despite this, Griffiths quickly turned the conversation sexual, revealing his intentions and making explicit requests.
He told “Kylie” that he had an erection and asked if she would help him by touching herself, suggesting that she imagine he was the one doing it.
The defendant also sent a video over the internet depicting a naked woman lying on her back, further attempting to entice the young girl into sexual activity.
Throughout the exchange, Griffiths repeatedly asked her to keep their conversation secret, emphasizing the clandestine nature of his requests.
Prosecutor Sarah Slater explained that all these interactions took place within a single day, starting at around 9 am from Griffiths’ residence on Hardwick Avenue.
She detailed how Griffiths immediately turned the conversation sexual, asking for photographs of the girl and even inquiring if she wanted to see his private parts.
His explicit messages and the video he sent were part of his attempt to incite a sexual response from the minor.
Following the police investigation, officers from Derbyshire Police acted swiftly.
They obtained the necessary details and arrested Griffiths on November 28 at his home.
During the court proceedings, Griffiths pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to communicate sexually with a child under 16, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
Judge Julie Warburton sentenced Griffiths to an eight-month jail term, which was suspended for 18 months.
She emphasized that, despite the fact that the individual he believed he was communicating with was an undercover officer, his actions were serious and deserving of punishment.
The judge also imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered Griffiths to register as a sex offender for the same period.
Additionally, he was sentenced to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, aiming to address his offending behavior.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online sexual offenses and protect vulnerable minors from predators operating in digital spaces.
The community in Derby and beyond is reminded of the importance of vigilance and the role of police in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.
