MARTIN BRANDON FROM NOTTINGHAM SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENSE INVOLVING FAKE 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In June 2018, Nottingham Crown Court heard a disturbing case involving Martin Brandon, a 38-year-old man from Kildare Road, St Ann's, who was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor through the internet.Brandon was subsequently placed on the sex offenders' register and received a sentence that included both imprisonment and strict monitoring measures.
Brandon's offending came to light after authorities discovered he had been communicating with a fictitious 14-year-old girl via Facebook.
The profile was deliberately created to investigate Brandon’s online activities, driven by concerns over his interactions with a real child.
The court was told that the Facebook account was a false identity, designed to lure or monitor Brandon’s online behavior, which raised suspicions about his intentions and connections.
During the proceedings, Judge James Sampson expressed serious concerns about the nature of Brandon’s conduct.
He remarked, “If it had been a real child, I am not sure where it would have ended up.
The age discrepancy is enormous and there is a somewhat suspicious background involving a real child.” The judge emphasized the potential danger posed by Brandon’s actions and ordered that he be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
This order would restrict his internet use and prevent him from having any contact with children under the age of 16.
Prosecutor James Varley explained that the false Facebook profile was created amid ongoing worries about Brandon’s relationship with a schoolgirl.
The fake account portrayed a girl who claimed to be 14, attending school and having typical teenage issues such as arguing with her mother.
The court heard that Brandon engaged in conversations with this fictitious girl, during which he made inappropriate comments and expressed intentions that raised alarm.
One of the messages revealed Brandon’s disturbing mindset when he mentioned the possibility of being set up by someone else, adding “LOL” at the end of his message.
Despite the warning signs, he continued to contact the fake profile.
In one particularly troubling message, Brandon suggested he would buy wine and pour it over the girl, indicating a desire for sexual activity involving alcohol.
He even arranged to meet the girl in person but failed to show up.
When questioned about his absence, Brandon claimed he was sick.
As part of his sentence, Brandon was ordered to spend 20 days working with probation officers to address issues related to alcohol and to prevent similar offending in the future.
Additionally, he was sentenced to a ten-year period on the sex offenders' register, and the sexual harm prevention order will remain in effect for ten years, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to protect potential victims.
