LIAM PROUDMAN FROM NORTON SENTENCED FOR GROOMING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In October 2018, Liam Proudman, an 18-year-old resident of Norton, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving the grooming and exploitation of underage girls through social media platforms. The disturbing series of events unfolded when Proudman engaged in online conversations with three young girls, all under the age of consent, and subsequently arranged to meet them in person, leading to multiple charges of sexual misconduct.

According to court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Proudman initially made contact with one of the girls via Facebook. He attempted to persuade her into engaging in sexual activities, expressing a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship. The court heard that Proudman was persistent in his efforts, asking her to come to his flat, which was located in the Stoke-on-Trent area. The girl, who left her home in the middle of the night without her mother’s knowledge, took a taxi to meet him. Her mother was reportedly unaware of her whereabouts at the time.

When she arrived at Proudman’s flat alone, he became angry and stormed into his bedroom, leaving her with his friends. Despite her reluctance, Proudman continued to send her messages, urging her to enter the bedroom with him. He claimed he only wanted a cuddle and asked her to get into bed with him, but she refused. The girl later fell asleep on the sofa, and the following day, she contacted the police. Proudman was arrested and released on bail, with strict conditions forbidding him from contacting any underage girls.

However, Proudman did not adhere to these restrictions. Shortly after his release, he contacted another girl via Snapchat, where he continued messaging her and even sent a graphic photo of his genitals. He then asked her to send a similar photograph in return. His actions escalated when he arranged to meet a third girl, whom he had been chatting with on Instagram. Proudman falsely claimed to be 16 years old, which was later confirmed to be untrue. He was arrested in August of the previous year in connection with this third victim and initially denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he believed she was also 16.

Despite being bailed with the condition not to contact her, Proudman sent a message on Facebook in October, telling her to 'Drop the charges' and instructing her to delete the message. This act of attempting to pervert the course of justice was a significant factor in his sentencing.

In court, Proudman pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including perverting the course of justice, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Judge David Fletcher addressed the court, highlighting the severity of Proudman’s actions, which involved planning, grooming, lying about his age, and exchanging sexual images with the victims. The judge sentenced Proudman to three years in a young offenders’ institution, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct and the need for appropriate punishment to protect vulnerable minors from similar predatory behavior.