JIMMY GRIEZEL FROM HINDLEY AND WIGAN SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF YOUNG GIRLS IN WIGAN AND SURROUNDINGS

In a recent development in the ongoing fight against online sexual exploitation, Jimmy Griezel, a 19-year-old resident of Atherton Road, Hindley, has been handed a significant prison sentence of four years. The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court following Griezel’s guilty plea to multiple charges related to the grooming and incitement of young girls via the internet.

According to the court proceedings, Griezel engaged in a disturbing pattern of behavior that involved contacting and manipulating vulnerable minors, some as young as 10 years old. His actions specifically targeted three girls from Wigan, aged 10, 12, and 13, whom he lured into sexual conversations and activities through online platforms. The judge, Mr. Justice Alan Conrad, QC, emphasized the severity of Griezel’s offenses, noting that his conduct caused significant distress to the victims, who were particularly vulnerable due to their age.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that Griezel had also been in contact with a 13-year-old girl from Merseyside. He attempted to arrange a physical meeting with her for sexual purposes, but she repeatedly refused, making it clear that she was a minor and did not wish to meet him. Despite her warnings, Griezel persisted in his attempts, demonstrating a clear awareness of the girls’ ages and the exploitative nature of his actions.

Judge Conrad described Griezel’s offending as particularly disturbing, highlighting that although his contact was primarily online, the impact on the victims was profound. The judge stated, “It is apparent you knew the ages of the girls concerned and caused considerable distress to your vulnerable victims. Although it was remote, this is a particularly disturbing serious case in which you sought to obtain sexual gratification with girls of a very young age.”

The court also took into account Griezel’s criminal history, which includes previous convictions for sexually assaulting a girl and a boy. Additionally, he had received an earlier warning for inciting another young boy to engage in sexual activity. These prior offenses underscored a pattern of concerning behavior that the court found deeply troubling.

Following the sentencing, it was noted that Griezel is currently residing on Arundel Street, Swinton, but his previous address was in Hindley, Wigan. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.