GREGG RILEY FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND GROOMING VICTIMS

A man identified as Gregg Riley, residing in Blackburn, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving a young schoolgirl. The offences include grooming a minor, taking explicit photographs while the girl was unconscious, and engaging in sexual activities without her consent. Riley, aged 44, was convicted of 17 separate child sex offences, which encompass sexual activity with a minor, grooming, and the creation of indecent images. The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where the judge handed down a sentence of 17 years in prison.

According to Lancashire Police, the investigation was initiated after the school's safeguarding team contacted authorities on July 5, 2024. Concerns had been raised about several students from Year 8 and Year 10 who had been in contact with Riley via Snapchat. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, recounted how Riley had picked her up and administered ketamine, a powerful sedative, during their encounter. The court heard that Riley, while driving the girl to Blackpool, told her that they planned to move to Scotland so they could marry, claiming that she could marry at 16. This statement was part of Riley’s manipulation tactics.

Upon arriving at his home, Riley continued to drug the girl, who was then unconscious from the ketamine. Police reports state that she lost consciousness multiple times during the journey and had to be carried into Riley’s residence. While she was in this state, Riley engaged in illegal sexual activity with her and took naked photographs without her knowledge or consent. The girl later blocked Riley on Snapchat to cut off contact.

Further investigations revealed that Riley had targeted other young girls from the same school. He made sexualised comments about their hair and school uniforms and expressed a desire to meet them for sexual encounters. One of these victims had sent Riley explicit images and a video of herself, for which Riley paid her between £200 and £260 via PayPal. Riley also told another 15-year-old girl that he had a sexual dream about her. Police seized Riley’s phone after his arrest, discovering 294 indecent images of children, including some that were prohibited. The images included photographs of children Riley did not know, as well as doctored screenshots from social media designed to appear as naked images.

Riley admitted to 17 offences during his court appearance last year, pleading guilty to charges including sexual activity with a minor, grooming, and making indecent images. Lancashire Police’s Detective Sergeant Stu Peall described Riley as a manipulative individual who exploited vulnerable young girls for his own sexual gratification. He emphasized that Riley was fully aware of his victims’ ages and deliberately targeted them for his own sordid interests.

Authorities continue to urge the public to report any concerns related to child exploitation and grooming, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in the Blackburn area and beyond.