HENDRICK GROENEWOOD AND SHOCKING PLOT IN MIDDLESBROUGH
A 60-year-old man named Hendrick Groenewood traveled to Middlesbrough with the intent of meeting a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.Prior to the encounter, Groenewood brought along a BB gun and a pair of handcuffs, claims he later explained were for practical purposes related to vermin control and in case of trouble during his outings.
Groenewood’s disturbing actions came to light when he engaged with what he thought was a teenage girl, whom he referred to as "Scarlett" on an online platform.
Unbeknownst to him, the individual he was communicating with was an undercover operative from a pedophile-hunting group, a decoy set up to catch potential offenders.
According to court records, Groenewood told "Scarlett" that their relationship was meant to be kept secret.
He went as far as calling himself her "daddy" and expressed a desire to take a bath with her and wash her, actions that clearly indicated grooming behavior consistent with his intentions.
The police apprehended Groenewood when he arrived at Middlesbrough train station on January 13, 2022, to meet the girl.
During interrogation, he admitted to having a slight sexual attraction to children, stating, "A little bit," when questioned about it by officers.
Further investigations revealed that Groenewood had also contacted the same vigilante group through online messaging, believing he was communicating with a girl named "Holly," who was ostensibly 13 years old.
During this exchange, he explicitly suggested having sex with her and inquired about what activities they might engage in "under the covers." Groenewood subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and attempting to meet a child following grooming efforts.
His sentencing resulted in a 30-month prison term.
Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for 10 years, obliging him to adhere to sex offender registration requirements for the same period.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online grooming and protect minors from predatory individuals within Middlesbrough and beyond.
