HAYWARDS HEATH MAN LIAM NOON CAUGHT PREDATING TEEN GIRLS ON SNAPCHAT IN SUSSEX

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Sussex community, Liam Noon, a resident of Sussex Road in Haywards Heath, was found guilty of engaging in predatory behavior towards underage girls via social media. The incident, which dates back to December 2017, involved the targeted solicitation of explicit images from teenage girls through Snapchat, a popular messaging platform.

According to court proceedings, Noon approached three young girls, aged 14 and 15, with the intent of obtaining explicit photographs and videos. The court heard that he not only requested these images but also offered monetary incentives in exchange for them. Prosecutor Rachel Beckett detailed that Noon sent messages asking for fully naked photos and videos, with offers of up to £200 for short videos involving the girls.

One of the victims, a girl who sent a photograph of herself in her bra and knickers on December 10, 2017, received a payment of £25. Despite her reluctance, she declined to meet Noon in person. The court was also informed that when the three girls were together, more images were exchanged, indicating a pattern of ongoing contact and exploitation.

Further messages revealed that Noon continued to pursue the girls, offering up to £300 for additional pictures and videos. His actions prompted police intervention, leading to his arrest on December 28, 2017. During police interviews, Noon provided a prepared statement claiming he believed the girls were over 18, a claim contradicted by the messages on Snapchat where the girls explicitly stated their ages. In one exchange, he asked one girl, “How old do you think I think you are?”

The investigation extended beyond these initial offenses, uncovering Category A images on his laptop, including indecent photographs of a 14-year-old boy. This prompted further scrutiny and delayed charges, as authorities needed to thoroughly examine the extent of his possession and distribution of illegal images.

On May 5, 2019, Noon was re-interviewed, and by October 5 of the same year, he was formally charged. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court heard that the delay in prosecution was due to the need for detailed investigation into the images found on his devices.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Anne Arnold emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of the victims and the aggravating factor of Noon offering money for indecent images. Despite the gravity of his actions, the judge acknowledged that Noon had taken steps towards behavioral change and expressed hope for his rehabilitation.

As a result, Noon was sentenced to a three-year community order and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at monitoring and restricting his future conduct to protect the community from further harm.