WORTHING MAN JACK LAINGCHILD SENT TO PRISON FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEEN GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Worthing, a local man named Jack Laingchild, aged 36, has been convicted and sentenced for engaging in serious sexual misconduct involving two underage girls. Laingchild, who resides on Pond Lane in Worthing, initiated a disturbing pattern of grooming that began in the summer of 2018, targeting two young girls aged 14 and 15 at the time.

According to court reports, Laingchild used social media platforms to establish contact with the victims. His communications quickly took a sinister turn as he sent explicit messages and shared images of his genitals, clearly aiming to manipulate and exploit the young girls. The predator's actions did not stop at online exchanges; he arranged to meet both girls on multiple occasions. During these meetings, he provided cannabis to the minors before engaging in sexual activity with one of them inside his vehicle.

The victims, showing remarkable courage and awareness, confided in their parents about the incidents. Their parents promptly contacted the police, leading to a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officials identified Laingchild as the suspect and arrested him in connection with the allegations. The case was taken seriously, and evidence was gathered to support the charges against him.

On January 17, 2024, at Lewes Crown Court, Laingchild was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child and two counts of engaging in sexual communications with minors. The court also ordered that a charge of rape be left on file, indicating the severity of the allegations and the evidence presented.

Following his conviction, Laingchild was sentenced on March 8 to four years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order significantly restricts his access to children and limits his ability to pose a further threat to young people.

Detective Constable Katie Brixey commented on the case, stating, “Jack Laingchild showed a calculated plan to groom his victims, isolate them with the offer of illegal drugs and exploit them for his own sexual gratification. Thankfully they had the courage and foresight to report his offending to their parents, who in turn came to the police so they could be safeguarded and Laingchild brought to justice. He now faces a period behind bars and is subject to orders designed to stop him causing further harm to young people.”