LUKE ATKINSON FROM RETFORD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEEN GIRLS ONLINE IN NOTTINGHAM

In July 2017, a disturbing case involving a paedophile from Retford came to light, revealing the extent of his malicious activities on social media platforms. Luke Atkinson, aged 29, was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences, including inciting sexual activity with minors and possessing indecent images of children. His actions prompted a lengthy investigation by Nottinghamshire Police, which uncovered a pattern of grooming and blackmail that targeted vulnerable teenage girls.

According to court proceedings, Atkinson actively sought out young girls as young as 13 through various social media channels. He would initiate contact with them, often engaging in conversations that quickly turned sexualized. The court heard that he encouraged these girls to send him explicit images and videos of themselves, exploiting their trust and naivety. When some of the victims decided to cease communication or refused to send further images, Atkinson responded with threats and blackmail. He warned them that he would post the images they had already sent online unless they continued to comply with his demands, causing significant distress and fear among the victims.

The investigation was triggered in April 2015 after Nottinghamshire Police received information from colleagues in Durham. A report from the mother of a 14-year-old girl detailed her daughter's contact with an individual on Facebook, who had made inappropriate sexualized comments. This led officers to identify Luke Atkinson, residing on Exchange Street in Retford, as the suspect.

In September 2015, police executed a warrant at Atkinson’s home, arresting him on suspicion of inciting a child into sexual activity. During the arrest, officers also discovered that he possessed cannabis, which he later admitted to using. A thorough analysis of his mobile phone revealed further evidence of his predatory behavior, including contact with additional girls he had incited into sexual acts. This prompted a subsequent arrest in June 2016 for further offences involving multiple victims.

Five brave girls, aged between 13 and 16, came forward to give evidence against Atkinson. Two of these victims were from the Doncaster area, while the others hailed from Leeds, Gainsborough, and Rotherham. The court was informed that all victims clearly communicated their ages to Atkinson during their interactions on social media, emphasizing their youth and vulnerability. One 13-year-old girl recounted how her heart sank whenever Atkinson contacted her, describing her fear that he would never leave her alone. Despite her efforts to block him, he continued to find ways to contact her through different social media platforms.

Another victim, aged 15 at the time, revealed that her decision to send explicit videos was driven by blackmail. Atkinson threatened to post her images on Facebook if she refused, which made her feel sick and disgusted with herself. The emotional toll on these young girls was evident, highlighting the severe impact of Atkinson’s manipulative and predatory behavior.

On Monday, June 3, Atkinson was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to four years and eight months in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting any of the victims. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the public from further harm.