MARTIN CHAPMAN OF HULL AND SKEFFLING SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN HORRIFIC CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Hull and Skeffling, Martin John Chapman, aged 45, has been convicted and sentenced for grooming a 15-year-old girl over a period of three months before sexually assaulting her. Chapman, a well-known figure in the local sports scene and a former soldier, used social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to establish a deceptive relationship with the young girl, which ultimately led to a sexual assault.

Chapman’s involvement in the community extended beyond his coaching duties. He served as a coach for Hull’s first sitting volleyball squad, representing Great Britain at the 2009 European Championships. Additionally, he volunteered as a health and safety officer at the Takeshi Karate Association in Withernsea, an organization that offers classes for children and young people. His reputation was further solidified by his recognition as a finalist in the Hull and East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards in 2009.

According to police reports, Chapman targeted the girl over a span of three months, during which he befriended her on Facebook and engaged in persistent messaging. He sent her numerous texts and eventually arranged to meet her in his car, an encounter that culminated in a sexual assault. The case came to light when the girl’s mother discovered more than 1,300 text messages exchanged between her daughter and Chapman on her daughter’s phone. Concerned, the mother encouraged her daughter to confide in her teacher, which led to social services and police becoming involved.

Chapman was arrested in December following the investigation. He subsequently pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child at Hull Crown Court. His guilty plea spared the victim from having to testify in court, but the court still handed down a significant sentence. Judge David Tremberg sentenced Chapman to three years in prison. In addition to his imprisonment, Chapman has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

It was also revealed that Chapman has a prosthetic leg, a result of losing a limb in an accident. Despite his physical disability, he was actively involved in coaching disabled sitting volleyball teams and served as a referee in the sport. His involvement in sports and community activities made the allegations and subsequent conviction all the more shocking to those who knew him.

Detective Constable Helen Penny commented on the case, stating, “He befriended her on Facebook and then began texting her, and it went from there until she told someone at school. It had been going on for a period of more than three months. By pleading guilty, he has saved his victim from coming to court and going through the ordeal of giving evidence. We believe there could be more victims and would urge anyone who has been affected to contact the police.”

Authorities continue to appeal for any additional victims or witnesses to come forward. Anyone affected by Chapman’s actions is encouraged to contact the police confidentially at 0845 6060222, as the investigation remains ongoing and the community seeks justice for the young girl involved.