JULIUS GOTTLIEB CAUGHT IN LONDON GROOMING SCHEME WITH TEENAGE GIRL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the London community, Julius Gottlieb, a 48-year-old property fund executive, was found guilty of attempting to groom a teenage girl for sexual activity through online communications.The incident unfolded in the capital, with Gottlieb engaging in a series of illicit chats with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl, whom he referred to as “Millie.” During these conversations, Gottlieb lavished the girl with compliments, expressing admiration for her appearance and making flirtatious remarks.
He also offered to take her shopping in the West End, promising her a day out filled with luxury and excitement.
Despite being aware that she was still attending school, he continued to push for more explicit exchanges, asking her to send “nawty” pictures of herself and suggesting he could secretly take her into a bar, an activity that is illegal for someone of her age.
Gottlieb’s intentions became increasingly clear as he asked her if she would do “everything,” including sex, and promised to give her a new phone if she agreed.
His messages indicated a clear desire to meet her in person, with plans to connect at Guildford station.
However, the entire scheme was foiled when Gottlieb discovered that the profile he had been chatting with was fake.
It turned out he was communicating with a group of online paedophile hunters who had set a trap to catch predators like him.
On July 5 of the previous year, the hunters confronted Gottlieb, presenting evidence of his online activities to the police.
The messages he had sent were handed over, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.
Following his arrest, Gottlieb resigned from his position as managing director of Dorchester Ground Rent Management, a property investment fund based in York Way, Islington.
At Harrow Crown Court, Gottlieb pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
The court heard how he had expressed a desire to see the girl’s “pretty face” and had believed the profile was genuine.
When told she was only 14, he responded with “it’s ok hun,” and continued to make plans to meet her, including sneaking her into a bar.
His messages also revealed his willingness to engage in sexual activity, with him asking if she would do “everything,” and promising a new phone as an incentive.
Judge Graham Arran sentenced Gottlieb to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete a 100-day sex offenders’ treatment programme and 60 days of rehabilitation.
As part of his sentence, Gottlieb is now prohibited from having contact with anyone under the age of 16, except for his own children, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing supervision and treatment.
