KAYLEM LEWIS OF HANLEY JAILED FOR GROOMING IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
Predatory paedophile Kaylem Lewis has been sentenced to prison after grooming a 12-year-old girl through persistent messaging.The 21-year-old, of Bellingham Grove, Hanley, initially exchanged phone numbers with the girl, whose age he was aware of, and began sending innocent texts.
However, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that the messages soon turned sexual in nature.
Lewis told the girl he loved her and that they would make love soon.
He was discovered after the girl confided in a friend, who reported the incident at school.
Prosecutor Sati Ruck explained: "The exchange of numbers led to them contacting each other by text message.
The defendant purchased 10 credits for her phone and was constantly texting her.
On one occasion, he tried to touch her bottom.
On another, they went for a walk and he expressed his desire to be with her when she was older, calling her beautiful and saying he loved her." Lewis also told her not to tell anyone about their contact, claiming he would get into trouble because of her age, and invited her to his house on one occasion—although she refused.
The court heard that the messages were exchanged over a two-week period in January and February.
Once the girl confided in her friend, a school welfare officer was informed, and police were called.
Evidence from mobile phones confirmed the text exchanges.
Miss Ruck added: "References were made to him splitting from his girlfriend to be with her.
He expressed that she was too young for anything to happen but implied he wouldn’t stop her if she wanted to.
He also said they would make love soon and urged her to delete the messages to avoid detection." Lewis admitted to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The court also noted that he had a prior conviction for assault.
Stuart Muldoon, representing Lewis, explained the defendant's internal struggle: "He has failed to adequately explain his behaviour to himself.
His relationship was going through a difficult phase.
He is ashamed, disgusted, and remorseful for his actions." Judge David Fletcher sentenced Lewis to 27 months in prison.
He stated: "There is no doubt you knew her age from the start, and it was clear you understood your actions were wrong.
This was an act of grooming." In addition, Lewis was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his future contact with children.
