JONATHAN EVANS FROM NEWCASTLE CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOR SEX IN SHOCKING FACEBOOK GROOMING PLOT
In May 2016, a disturbing case of online predation unfolded involving a man from Newcastle named Jonathan Evans, who was convicted of attempting to meet an underage girl for sexual activity after grooming her through social media.The incident came to light when the mother of the 11-year-old girl discovered suspicious messages on her daughter’s Facebook account and took immediate action to protect her.
Evans, aged 23 at the time, had established a communication channel with the young girl on Facebook, engaging in conversations that quickly took a sexual turn.
The mother, noticing the inappropriate nature of the messages, decided to intervene by taking over the chat, pretending to be her daughter.
Despite knowing the girl’s true age, Evans rapidly shifted the dialogue towards explicit topics and even made arrangements to meet her at Eldon Square, a well-known shopping center in Newcastle.
Thanks to the mother’s quick thinking and intervention, authorities were alerted, leading to Evans’s arrest.
He was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison for his actions.
During the court proceedings, the mother expressed her deep concern and distress, stating, “My fear is the thought of what could have been and what would have happened if she had agreed to meet him.
How many children have agreed to meet people and didn’t return home?” She further described her disgust at Evans’s behavior, especially after discovering he was aware of her daughter’s age, which was only 11.
“This is one of the things I’m struggling with, that somebody could speak to a child in this way when they know how old they are.
These events have affected me more than my daughter as we have tried to protect her from what has gone on.” Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin outlined the details of the case during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
He explained that the grooming activity took place in the previous year, with the mother discovering the messages in May.
She initially believed Evans thought her daughter was 16, but after she posed as her daughter, she revealed she was only 12, which was a crucial turning point in the case.
The conversation then became explicitly sexual, with Evans expressing his desire to meet and engage in sexual activity.
He suggested they go out together and instructed her not to tell anyone about their plans.
Devlin further revealed that Evans repeatedly asked whether the girl would be willing to have sex with him, discussing condoms and concerns about pregnancy.
An arranged meeting was set for the following Monday, but police intervened the night before, arresting Evans at Eldon Square.
During his arrest, Evans claimed he was under the influence of drugs when he sent the messages and denied any intention of meeting the girl for sex.
He also admitted to knowing she was well under the age of 16.
Evans, who resides on Field Terrace, Throckley, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
His sentencing was marked by his protests, including shouting, swearing, and physically kicking or punching a door as he was taken into custody.
The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predators operating through social media platforms.
