JOSEPH WILSON FROM DOVER CAUGHT GROOMING SCHOOLGIRLS ON FACEBOOK

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dover, a 26-year-old man named Joseph Wilson has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after attempting to groom two underage girls for sexual activity via Facebook. Wilson, a resident of Hawthorn Close in Dover, engaged in a series of inappropriate and predatory communications with the girls, although he did not meet either of them in person.

According to court proceedings, Wilson made sexual advances towards the two girls through the social networking platform, clearly aware that they were minors. The prosecution, led by Deborah Charles, outlined that Wilson first contacted one of the girls early in the previous year. She disclosed to him that she was 13 years old, feeling that claiming to be 12 would sound too young. Wilson responded flirtatiously, encouraging her to skip school so they could meet, and the messages quickly turned sexual in nature. There was also evidence of telephone contact between Wilson and the girl.

Wilson’s inappropriate behavior extended to a second girl, who was also 13. She confided in a friend about Wilson’s advances, calling him “a sick pervert” because he was 25 at the time. Despite the girl’s clear disapproval, Wilson sent her a friend request, which she chose not to accept. She questioned him about his intentions, asking if he wanted to sleep with her friend, to which Wilson responded that she was “a little young.” The girl also mentioned seeing a text message from Wilson indicating he wanted her friend on top of him. When she asked if he liked young girls, Wilson replied, “It depends how young.”

Throughout the investigation, it was evident that Wilson was fully aware he was dealing with underage girls. Court records reveal that he told one girl she was pretty and invited her to his house, promising to do things to her she would never forget. He also asked her to send an indecent picture of herself, which she refused. Instead, Wilson sent a naked photograph of himself to the first girl, who responded with sexually explicit messages, indicating that Wilson’s tactics appeared to have been effective.

The mother of the first girl chose not to involve her daughter in the court proceedings, but her friend provided a statement to police detailing the incident. Following his arrest in July, Wilson admitted to contacting the girls and was found to have numerous pictures of them on his computer, taken from their Facebook profiles. During police interviews, Wilson expressed regret, stating he had been “stupid,” felt “embarrassed,” and acknowledged his actions.

As part of his sentence, Wilson was prohibited from working with children and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years. His name will also be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC delivered the sentence, emphasizing the severity of Wilson’s actions. He stated, “It must have been blindingly obvious from the photographs that both girls were under 16. He took his chances and did not care. There was persistent grooming over two months. There is no mitigation. His remorse is at best partial.”

Wilson’s defense lawyer, Mark Weekes, argued that his client should avoid jail time and be given an opportunity to address his behavior. He highlighted Wilson’s background, including GCSEs, NVQs, and previous employment as an assistant manager working with autistic adults. Wilson’s employment ended after a prior assault conviction, but he had since found work delivering newspapers.

Mr. Weekes insisted, “He is not a paedophile. He is not a dangerous man who sets out to connect in a sexual way with young women. He is a confused, perhaps lonely, individual who has sought out inappropriate relationships over the internet. He needs the intervention of probation to assist him, rather than the inside of a prison cell which would crush him.”