KARL COPELAND FROM FARNWORTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SENDING SEXUAL MESSAGES TO UNDERAGE GIRL IN BOLTON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Karl Copeland, a 34-year-old resident of Dyson Close in Farnworth, found himself in court facing serious allegations related to online sexual communication with a minor. The incident unfolded in Bolton, where Copeland believed he was engaging with a 13-year-old girl, but in reality, he was communicating with a decoy operated by the paedophile hunting group Stop UK.

According to court records, the interactions between Copeland and the supposed young girl, named Erin, began on the social media platform Wink. After initial contact, Copeland obtained her phone number and continued their conversations via WhatsApp. During these exchanges, he expressed inappropriate desires, explicitly stating his wish to see her naked and urging her to perform sexual acts on herself. He also expressed regret that she was not older, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship with a minor.

The prosecution revealed that Copeland suggested they meet in a hotel, further demonstrating his intent to engage in illegal activities. The court was shown a video sent by Copeland in which he performed a sexual act on himself, a disturbing piece of evidence that underscored the seriousness of his actions.

On June 1 of this year, authorities from Stop UK contacted the police after locating a male individual who had been communicating with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl. The police then took over the investigation, leading to Copeland’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the hearing at Bolton Crown Court, Beth Caunce, the prosecuting lawyer, detailed the charges against Copeland. He faced accusations of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual image, attempting to induce a child to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Copeland admitted to these charges, which prompted the court to consider appropriate sentencing.

Recorder Jeremy Lasker addressed the court, emphasizing that Copeland was made aware of the girl’s age early in their conversations but continued to communicate with her nonetheless. The judge acknowledged that Copeland had multiple opportunities to cease contact but chose not to. The pre-sentence report suggested that an alternative to immediate custody could be considered, proposing a three-year community order. However, due to legal constraints, a suspended sentence was not feasible, and instead, Copeland was sentenced to a three-year community order.

As part of his sentence, Copeland is required to participate in a sexual offenders’ rehabilitation program, complete 30 days of specified activities, and perform 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register and is subject to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order. The judge concluded by remarking that Copeland narrowly avoided a prison sentence, stating, “You have escaped a prison sentence today by the skin of your teeth.” This case highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.